Two men lost their lives in a boat accident that took place on April 10, 2010 on the Allegheny River near Harmar, Pennsylvania.

The deceased, 59-year-old North Huntingdon resident Gary Watson and 26-year old California resident Brian Abercrombie, along with Watson’s son, Cale Watson, were fishing beneath the dam at lock 3 in Harmar when their 16-foot boat struck the dam and capsized. All three went down into the water. Cale was the sole survivor as he swam to the shore, but the others drowned. None of the boat passengers were wearing a life vest or a floatation device.

Our office wishes to offer our sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers to the friends and families of the deceased. Although the investigation has not been concluded, the lesson that can be taken away from this is to make sure that all passengers on your vessel wear flotation devices at all times.  It is impossible to tell when an accident is about to occur.  Therefore, one cannot plan to put on a flotation device when a situation gets dangerous.  One must assume that danger can arise at any moment.

Ross Jurewitz is a San Diego boating accident attorney and the managing lawyer of the Jurewitz Law Group, a California law firm dedicated to representing people seriously injured and the families of people killed by the negligence of others.  If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a boat accident in California, please order your free copy of Mr. Jurewitz’s book, The Ten Biggest Mistakes that can Destroy Your California Accident Case. It is full of helpful information that will help you protect your legal rights and it is free to all California residents.