Some things just need to be said...

Friday, March 10, 2006

Houseboat charges in Kelowna

June 9, 2005 a houseboat capsized on Okanagan Lake. It occurred in calm water after just leaving the dock in Kelowna. The boat had over sixty people on board, likely twice as many as it was licensed for. Camille Fry, 20 years old died in the mishap.

Link: Video of Houseboat sinking (Castanet link)

Today we learn that a male, 27 years old is facing several charges in the fatal capsizing of a houseboat on Okanagan Lake last year. The young man is facing charges of criminal negligence causing death, dangerous operation of a vessel causing death, criminal negligence causing bodily harm to three victims, and dangerous operation of a vessel causing bodily harm.

Water safety has never really been a high priority for authorities or the general community much along the same lines as use of ATV's and snow mobiles have also been seen as a low priority. Let's hope that we go beyond just placing of blame on this young man and look at the bigger issues in order to bring about some good with the loss of a young woman.

See: June 9, 2005 Young life lost after Kelowna boat accident

and Castanet's report: Houseboat Capsizes On Okanagan Lake

No comments: