capsized RIB?

sunrider · 10 August 2002, 12:55

I was reading a forum for Boston Whaler owners, where a new thread asked for opinions on comments that compare the seawortyness of a Boston Whaler to RIBs. One reply included this comment:

"This March in the Niagara River (USA) two Coast Guard sailors died when their RIB style boat pitch-poled them into a frigid Lake Ontario in very moderate seas. The RIB filled with water and scuttled--it was not sufficiently bouyant. If these unfortunate fellows had been in a Boston Whaler they would probably not have been thrown in the water in the first place, and even in the event they were, they could have returned to a boat with excellent floatation characteristics and perhaps restarted the engines."

I can't imagine that this event happened as described, and would like to find out the details to offer comments. I just spent the weekend on a 25' Whaler and wouldn't even think of taking it places that would be pure fun in a RIB.

Any information on the alleged capsize would be appreciated. Thanks.

Brian · 10 August 2002, 14:52

There is a full report at the following address.

http://www.uscg.mil/overview/news.htm

The reports only mention "a 22ft boat". no mention is made of a RIB. Report also says Coastguardsmen were wearing full dry suits and lifejackets.
Will now scan for "22ft boat".

Brian · 10 August 2002, 15:13

I have now searched through th US Coastguard itinery of vessels and drawn a blank. So I have sent them an e-mail requesting vessel details.
Will post reply when I get one.

sunrider · 10 August 2002, 20:58

I just read the coast guard report which states that the boat was not a RIB, but had a foam collar. It also says the boat sank at the dock when new, that it didn't sink during the emergency, and that there were other contributing factors. Someone else found these details and posted the correction on the Whaler site. Mystery solved. Here's the address to read the report:

http://www.uscg.mil/d9/NiagaraAIMposting.pdf