Save Yourself First

A few weeks ago we reported on an unfortunate incident near the entrance to the Oakland Estuary. On the very blustery Sunday of February 11, the Harbor 25 pictured below simply ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time. As we reported then, they weren’t the only ones. A Moore 24 ended up on the Richmond breakwater as well, though with a better outcome. What happened to the Harbor 25?

The boat was recovered by Parker Diving Service in Sausalito and sadly looks like a total loss. We contacted them to find out more and found, perhaps understandably, that the owners didn’t want to share the particulars. 

Having stubbed our toe on more than one cleat, we’d be the last to wag a finger. And while it is crushing to see the result of fiberglass meeting rock, it reminds us of what a captain should warn new crew, and what all crew should remember — boats can be replaced; people can’t. We understand the crew escaped safely and, unlike the boat, will be able to sail again. Even on the best of days situations can unexpectedly get out of control, and, while we all want to avoid results like this, the most important thing is to keep people safe first.