Qualified Captain: Drawbridge crash highlights importance of communication on the water
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A sailboat’s collision with a closing drawbridge in Florida is serving as a cautionary tale for boaters in the latest installment of WWAY’s boating safety segment with Captain Chris Juall, better known as “The Qualified Captain.”
Video featured in the segment shows a sailboat traveling along the New River in Fort Lauderdale as it approaches a drawbridge that is in the process of closing. Moments later, the vessel’s mast strikes the bridge, snapping apart before collapsing into the water.
Juall said the incident illustrates a common mistake that can lead to costly damage and potentially dangerous situations.
“Whenever you are in a boat that requires a bridge to be open, you have to communicate with that bridge to let them know that you want it open,” Juall said.
According to Juall, some drawbridges operate on demand, while others open only at designated times. Understanding those procedures before approaching a bridge is essential for safe navigation.
To help boaters avoid a similar mishap, Juall shared three key safety tips.
The first is knowing your vessel’s air draft, or the height of the boat above the waterline. Boaters should compare that measurement with the bridge’s posted clearance to determine whether they can safely pass underneath without an opening.
Second, boaters should know whether a bridge operates on demand or on a schedule.
Finally, Juall stressed the importance of communicating with bridge operators using a VHF marine radio before approaching.
“Hailing them on your VHF, getting that communication so that they know you’re waiting for the bridge, and they open it for you and allow you to pass through without incident,” he said.
While no injuries were reported in the crash, the sailboat sustained significant damage, turning what may have seemed like a routine trip into an expensive lesson.
The boating safety segment is part of an ongoing partnership between WWAY and The Qualified Captain, which provides boating education, safety tips and real-world examples of common mistakes on the water. Learn more on The Qualified Captain’s website.
