1620 5th AvenueOne man died in a sailboat accident in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Clemente Island on March 8, according to sources. Rescues crews were able to save five other crewmembers after their vessel was torn apart in rough waters, but Craig Williams did not survive.
Williams and the crew were competing the annual Islands Race. Adverse weather and rough waters created difficult conditions for search teams attempting to rescue the crew. The Islands Race is run by the Newport Harbor yacht club and the San Diego yacht club, spanning 139 nautical miles in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California.
“Silver Gate Yacht Club is very sad to acknowledge the loss of one of our members, as well as the lost of a member’s boat,” read a statement from the yacht club Williams was a member of. “This is a tragedy for the families and our club is in mourning for the loss of life. We will be respecting the privacy of the family by not releasing any further information until a time of the family’s choosing.”
A US Coast Guard crew eventually discovered the ship, but found Williams unresponsive in the water. Williams was an experienced sailor and had been known to navigate rough waters.
“Craig is well known in this area amongst skippers and boat owners,” said Joe Banas, Williams’ brother-in-law. “He’s one of the youngest, yet he always seems to throw a challenge out there to the older, more experienced skippers.”
This is a tragic reminder that even veteran sailors must exercise caution, particularly in adverse weather conditions. If your or a loved one has been in a boating accident, please contact our firm today for a free consultation.
Bonnici Law Group, APC—San Diego wrongful death attorney
1620 5th Avenue