As of last week, Craig Strickland, the lead singer of country-rock band Backroad Anthem, was missing following a boating accident on Kaw Lake in Oklahoma.
MassLive.com reported that Strickland, 29, and another victim, 22, were duck hunting when their boat capsized during a storm. Officials were able to recover the victim’s body following the incident. There were heavy storms in the area as the search was going on.
As of last Thursday, the search for Strickland was ongoing and the incident remained under investigation. Officials were using scanning sonar, a helicopter, and two search dogs from Missouri to search for Strickland. His bandmates released a statement saying that they were praying for his safe return home.
Why Do Recreational Boats Capsize?
In 2013, the U.S. Coast Guard estimated that there were 250 capsizing events involving American recreational boats, resulting in about 175 deaths and more than 330 injuries.
While this incident remains under investigation, it is a reminder that capsizing incidents can occur during poor weather. Additionally, capsizing incidents can occur for a number of reasons including overcrowding, superficial boat issues and collisions with other vessels or stationary items, such as rocks, docks, jetties, piers and sandbars.
Many of these incidents are avoidable. Make sure that you check your boat for mechanical issues and that the weather is expected to be tolerable prior to making a voyage in your boat. Additionally, it may be wise to route your trip ahead of time to avoid issues like hitting objects in the water.
If you are a passenger on a boat that capsizes or your loved one is killed, it may be a good idea to speak to a maritime attorney about your legal options. If you can prove that an operator’s negligence led to an incident, you may be able to seek damages for your pain and suffering and other damages available under the law.
In the video above, attorney Carolyn Latti discusses how you can contact our nationwide maritime law firm.
Source: http://www.masslive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/12/country_singer_craig_stricklan.html