Slipway accident.

Mollers · 22 March 2016, 22:09

As a serious aside, was that sad business with the Audi Q7 that went in, anywhere near you?

willk · 22 March 2016, 22:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

As a serious aside, was that sad business with the Audi Q7 that went in, anywhere near you?

My backup slip. I boat with a few of the lads who fished them out. It was very unfortunate but also an accident waiting to happen. Several cars have done the same previously but with no loss of life. The local council refuses to maintain the slip and will probably now respond by locking it - bye bye launching.

Mollers · 22 March 2016, 22:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

My backup slip. I boat with a few of the lads who fished them out. It was very unfortunate but also an accident waiting to happen. Several cars have done the same previously but with no loss of life. The local council refuses to maintain the slip and will probably now respond by locking it - bye bye launching.

Very sad, the downside of free to use slips.

The HM run slip in Falmouth is now £22 p/day! So if you leave it in over night (£17.50), it's another £22 to recover.

The slip is immaculate however.

Pikey Dave · 23 March 2016, 09:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

As a serious aside, was that sad business with the Audi Q7 that went in, anywhere near you?

How did it actually happen? Did the car slide off the side of the slip or just fail to stop at the bottom??

willk · 23 March 2016, 12:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

How did it actually happen? Did the car slide off the side of the slip or just fail to stop at the bottom??

This is still a very raw subject locally - so the basic background only:

The slip is covered with months of weed/slime. Non-local drivers are not aware of this. The slip is actually a very wide ferry ramp at the end of a long narrow pier and these drivers use it to turn their cars. If the tide is out they may drive onto the weedy portion. Once the cars loose traction, they slide into the water and the current floats them off under the pier or out to sea. ABS, electric locks and windows don't help...

Maximus · 23 March 2016, 14:15

Very Tragic accident for sure....must say I was very impressed with the Guy who swam out to try and aid the family...and managed to at least save the Baby.

jeffstevens763@g · 23 March 2016, 19:47

Very sad as willk says electric Windows & locks a real hazard we have an open window policy traveling with dive vehicles along riverbanks at work I do the same on slipways even with the 4x4 but we know the hazards the general public don't.

Bigtalljv · 24 March 2016, 23:53

The story made it to the news feeds here in the states. That sounded like a particularly horrible/tragic incident. My condolences to all involved and nearby. That was a heck of an effort by the gentleman who saved the baby.

I'd never really though about the issues of water and electronic control systems. I might have to think about one of those car escape tools for my tow vehicle....

Jason

jyasaki · 25 March 2016, 02:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigtalljv

I might have to think about one of those car escape tools for my tow vehicle....

Simpler to leave a window down when launching/recovering. Another point is not to leave anyone inside (kids, dogs) if leaving the tow vehicle. Though you still may need the tool for someone else's vehicle.

jky