Abby Sunderland, a 16-year old teenager from California, was rescued on June 19, 2010 from her broken boat drifting in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Despite her familiarity with the water and sailing, high winds and rough water damaged the mast of her vessel leaving her boat adrift in the ocean. Her radio transmitter was also damaged, making it difficult for her request help.

This boat accident led to a huge amount of public outcry against Abby’s parents, especially the father who allowed her to undertake such a big risk.  In the end, though, only Abby’s sailing abilities saved her life.  Her father and the training he helped her obtain prior to the trip were responsible for keeping her alive.  Nevertheless, parents should always make sure that their children have adequate knowledge of their vessel, sailing, and that they have a prepared game plan for the worst case scenario that can happen.

We wish and hope that Abby recovers from her injuries completely.  We also hope that she is able, with the proper safety and training and precautions, be able to complete her voyage and achieve her goal to sail around the world.

Ross Jurewitz is a personal injury attorney in San Diego 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 in a boat crash.  If you or a loved one has been killed or injured in a San Diego boating accident, 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.

Taking a boating safety course is not only required by California law, but is important to keep you and your family safe.

One such boating safety course is being offered by The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 12-02. The two session course called ‘About Boating Safely’ is to be held at the VIMS (Virginia Marine Sciences) Building in Wachapreague and will begin on April 17, 2010.

The course is designed to create awareness of boating safety for jet-ski and motorboat users alike. With the constant stream of breaking news on boating disasters, it is good that a safety course is being held. Not everyone is well versed with using the safety equipment, trailering, and navigation for sailing and motor vessels.

Ross Jurewitz is a boating accident lawyer in San Diego and the managing attorney 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 injured or killed in a boating 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.

49 year-old Matthew Runte of Walnut Creek died on November 27, 2009, when his sailboat capsized off the coast of Half Moon Bay.  His sailboat capsized in rough waters just south of Pillar Point.

After the sailboat capsized, Coast Guard officials reported that a flare was spotted at sea.  Personnel from Pillar Point Harbor patrol, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Half Moon Bay Fire Department assisted in the recovery.

Runte’s shipmate was rescued shortly after the flare was spotted.  Neither Runte or his shipmate were wearing life jackets or immersion suits.

It should be remembered that all mariners and sailors should be prepared for an emergency, particularly during high surf.  High surf and rough conditions can challenge even the most experienced sailor.

Our good wishes and thoughts go out to Runte’s friends and family and we wish them the best at this time of loss.

If you or a loved one has ever died or been injured in a Half Moon Bay boating accident, contact San Francisco boating accident lawyer Ross Jurewitz and the California sailing accident lawyers of the Jurewitz Law Group at (888) 233-5020. You may also contact one of the best California personal injury attorneys online here for a free consultation.

For a free copy of our helpful California injury book, The Ten Biggest Mistakes that can Destroy Your California Accident Case, contact our office.  It is a free benefit for California injury accident victims.