The idea of a boat sinking can be terrifying, but it’s important to know what to do in an emergency. Several factors can cause a boat to sink, including accidents, human error, and structural issues. No matter the cause, the key is to remain calm and prepare for the worst. In this article, we’ll go over some life-saving tips to help you manage a boat leak emergency. With the right knowledge, you can keep yourself and any passengers safe until your boat is back at the dock. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a novice, this information is valuable to everyone who spends time on the water. So, read on to find out the essential boat leak emergency Steps to take in a boat leak emergency.
Wear Your Life Jackets
When it comes to sinking boats, every second counts. Before anything else, ensure everyone’s safety by wearing your life jackets. As much as possible, try to match garments with wearers to ensure they fit properly. If you notice anyone needing help putting theirs on, ensure you have yours on first.
Get Help
In most cases, SeaTow and TowBoatU.S. vessels are well-equipped to help guide leaking boats to safety. However, you have to help them find you. This effort entails working the radio, identifying the GPS location, and using the life raft and Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) if necessary. Ask the most experienced person aboard to take charge of the situation.
Find the Leak Source
If the water source from inside your boat didn’t come from a crashing wave, you likely have a leak on your hands. Find it and use everything you can to plug it, from sealants to towels to seat cushions. Next, tilt the hole above the water by moving all other objects and people to the opposite side of the hole.
Head Back to Shore
No matter how far offshore you end up, head back to shore once you ensure everyone’s safety. Move at a speed that lets you see any obstacles along the way, such as large, jagged rocks. However, don’t slow down too quickly — doing so might cause your backwash to flood your boat even more.
Seek Medical Attention
As soon as you’re out of imminent danger, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you can’t see physical injuries, it’s still best to see a doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes, people may experience internal bleeding or secondary drowning, which may not show symptoms until hours after an accident.
After the Accident: Find a Boating Accident Attorney
Whether you and your companions sustain injuries or not, gather essential information about the boat operators and other passengers, including names, addresses, and contact information. If there are eyewitnesses, include their details, too. Take pictures of the accident as soon as you’re safe. This will make it easier for you to establish liability.
Call Your the Best Boat Accident Attorneys at 419-843-6663 to get started, or use our easy online contact form today.
If you reside in or around any of the areas we serve in Ohio and Michigan – Maumee, Defiance, Fremont, Findlay, Lima, Mansfield, Toledo, and Monroe – and are searching for a “boating accident attorney near me,” you can count on having the best lawyer for car accidents from Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault to represent you in a personal injury or wrongful death case. With a Toledo personal injury attorney near you, help is just a phone call away.
Kevin Boissoneault, is the President and Managing Partner of GT&B. He began his career at GT&B in 1992 and has built the Personal Injury section into one of the strongest and most successful firms in the region. His hard work and dedication as a compelling trial attorney and litigator has won many verdicts and settlements for his clients and their families. Kevin’s commitment to protecting those who have been injured through accident or negligence has brought justice for thousands of clients.
