Boating safty

[GBOUTDOORS]

I would like to pass along a story that happened to me today that has changed my mind as far as wearing a life vest at all times while underway. I launched in Fairhaven at 6:30 this morning and headed over to Gooseberry neck for bass and blues. Did not pick up any bass but the blues were everywhere caught a few did some trolling then headed back to the ramp a 10 mile ride into the NE 21 kt wind. I always use the kill switch but do not always wear a vest but have them handy at all times. The ride back was not bad the new boat can handel it very well but as I was rounding West Island I saw a 18' cc with 4 men on board headed towards Matt. harbor as I had just hit a few large waves out that way I watched them for a few minutes but it looked like they may have been fishing so I turned and headed back towards shore. After about a mile or so I looked back and thought I saw their boat stand on end and go under just as I looked. I stopped and watched for a few minutes but did not see anything at all so I was not sure if I had seen anything at all. I was about to head back in but I did not feel good about what might have just happened so I headed back out to see if they were out there or not. I got to the area about a mile off shore but could not see a boat any where. I sat and watched for about 10 minutes till I saw what looked like someone standing on a hull. I ran over and found two guys on the boat upside down and two guys in the water. I called the CG and got them on board also put a line to the boat till I could get Towboat to come out. Three of them were fine but the fourth was starting to shake bad. I keep a full set of dry clothes on board so I got him to take off all his wet clothes and put on all dry gear. Only one of them had a life jacket on and they told me that the boat went down so fast that they did not have time to get them on. The fire and rescue sent out a boat and Towboat came out to take the boat in tow. I took them into the ramp were there was a ambulance waiting to get some heat into them and be sure that they were all ok. After heading home I began to think about how close these guys came to a real bad situation not only because of the cold but also the lack of life vests. I have two pairs of suspender type pfd and will have one on from now on while under way and also anyone else on board. I have 6 pfd on boat but think I will get 4 new suspener units so they can be worn with ease and comfit at all times. How often do you wear a vest??????????