Sandy Point boat strike - Warwick, Rhode Island

[DandyDon]

The news story failed to mention if he was severely injured, or lived?

GoLocalProv | News | Diver Struck by Boat Off Sandy Point in Warwick

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced that a man was struck by a boat while diving off the coast of Warwick.



According to DEM in a post on social media on June 30, the diver had the required dive flag posted -- and now DEM is asking boaters to follow all safety regulations.

DEM Message

ATTN boaters: This week, a man diving for shellfish at Sandy Point off the coast of Warwick was struck by a boat. The diver was displaying the appropriate dive flag, red in color with a diagonal white stripe as shown in this photo. SCUBA, skin-diving and snorkeling are all common activities in Rhode Island waters.

This flag must be displayed to warn boaters of a divers’ presence under the water when participating in any of these activities. Boaters must maintain a safe distance of 50 feet from a dive flag. DEM asks boaters and divers to follow all safety regulations so that everyone can safely enjoy this season out on the water.

DEM's Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) has been offering Boating Safety Challenge Exams since May 30 in accordance with all RIDOH health and safety guidelines. According to DLE's Captain Criscione, as many as 100 people have been taking the exam on Saturdays at DEM HQs. Spaces fill up quickly and appointments must be made in advance.

For DEM’s online boating safety course, visit: Rhode Island Boating License & Boat Safety Course | Boat Ed®

For more information on DLE's Boating Safety Challenge Exams, visit: http://www.dem.ri.gov/safeboating

For the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s safety courses, visit: USCGAUX Public Education Classes - Find By Zipcode

For RI's dive flag statute, RI Gen L § 46-13-22 (2012) visit: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/…/TIT…/46-22/46-22-24.HTM

For more information on Rhode Island boating laws and regulations including the mandatory boating safety education requirement and certification process, please visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/safeboating or contact the Division of Law Enforcement at 401-222-2284.

 

[Bob DBF]

Maybe @AfterDark heard something, it's in his neck of the woods.

 

[AfterDark]

Maybe @AfterDark heard something, it's in his neck of the woods.

There's a thread on this in the NE section. Not much info.
Edit: found some more info

Shellfisherman hit, injured by boat off Warwick coast; operator cited | WPRI.com
Mark Nayman, 60, was diving for shellfish in about six feet of water when he was hit around 10:45 a.m., according to the R.I. Department of Environmental Management. He had a dive flag on his boat, the DEM said, and was swimming back when he was struck.

Nayman was brought to a nearby dock by a Warwick Fire Department boat then transported to Rhode Island Hospital to be treated for a head injury and a laceration to his right shoulder.

The DEM said the operator of the 21-foot boat, Philip McAndrew, 52, of East Greenwich, was cited for oerating a motorboat within 50 feet of a dive flag, improper lookout, failure to avoid a collision, and expired visual distress signals. They checked his flares!!

 

[AfterDark]

This came from the NE thread on this incident, accident isn't the right word IMO.

There is a go fund me for the diver hit last week. Here’s some info on the man. Sunday, June 28th was like many other days - Rhode Island shellfisherman, Mark Nayman, was diving Underwater for fresh R.I. Shellfish to sell to support his family. Two dive flags marked his location. Another boat sped through and Mark was hit by the propeller. The driver was charged. Mark suffered a fractured skull, a concussion And brain bleed and several body gashes. Recovery is going to take time and July is Usually Mark’s highest earning month of the year. In addition to your prayers for his healing, he could use some help staying afloat financially.