C36 Lost on beach.

[Steve Frost]

Sadly, I post a report of the loss of one of our boats. Karl Livengood Fleet 9 Capitain's boat was lost on the beach at Still Water Cove south of Monterey.
I had emailed Karl looking for his OK to show this link. Karl is probably understandably busy right now.

The ariticle was posted on Lectronic Latitude today that being a very public publication I felt Karl was not trying to keep this a secret.
My sympathies go out to Karl and am certainly glad the loss was limited to the loss of just the boat.

http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/lectronicday.lasso?date=2009-12-02&dayid=358

[dejavu]

Always sad to hear a story like this, maybe more so when it involves a sistership and community member. RIP Jo Jo :(

[deising]

That is, indeed, sad.

[stu jackson c34]

Very sorry to hear that. It was back in October. Glad they're all safe.

The bigger question is why the Coasties did what they did, or reportedly didn't do. It sure sounds like they blew any reasonable assistance. Very disappointing.

[Bill Colmer]

I'm surprised that the Coast Guard made no effort to save the ship. I thought they were charged with making the navigable waterways safe for people AND vessels. If I ever call for a tow, I'll remember that. I'll call Boat US instead of the Coast Guard. Bummer.

[deising]

I am a Coast Guard Auxiliarist and proud of what we try to do in the way of public education about safe boating. Having said that...

I can also say (unofficially, of course) that the Coast Guard, especially today, does not do many of the things people might assume. If you need a tow, they might help arrange a commercial towing service. Generally, they will tow only to prevent loss of life or perhaps in some extreme cases.

I could only speculate as to how policy got where it is today, but "legal ramifications" comes to mind.

[mutualfun]

As in everything the CG has cut cost also. I the area we are in,(lake Mich) when a call goes in for help the CG comes on and ask for any boats near the troubled vessel. Then they ask for an assessment. If it is a tow, they usually will not come out unless it is life or death.

[Steve Frost]

The January issue of Latitude 38 had a full story on the loss of this boat and the Coast Gaurds actions. In the letters sections there are pages of comments from readers.

It is a facinating article, and a bit of an eye opener as to what the current Coast Gaurds marching orders are.

http://www.latitude38.com/eBooks/2010/L38201001-2.pdf

I recommend that you find a copy. If I can down load and link the ariticle I will.
Not sure if this worked. If the link is available the story mid way through this section.

[John Reimann]

From what I gather, the Coast Guard used to tow boats when there was no immediate danger to lives, but they started getting pressure from private towing companies who were losing business.

It's a shame about that lost boat, but at least it seems the insurance paid for it.