Reminder about Tow Boats

[galleyslave]

Boat US towed this boat into our marina this evening.................
“Moonstruck,” a 44-foot Defever, turned on its side after passing a barge and sunk in the Tenn-Tom at Mile 317, 100 miles upriver from Demopolis.

There are some photos here:
http://btlifes2short.blogspot.com/20...1_archive.html

This is a 44' Defever trawler, t has a displacement hull which weighs approximately 44,000 lbs. I know she was headed southbound. Good reminder to stay clear of the tows.

[lil buggy]

WOW,
looks like he had enough freeboard what happened?
liked the link, glad they could upright the vessel!

[galleyslave]

I know the Defever was headed southbound and the tow was headed north. I'm not 100% sure, but the general consensus from folks we've talked to think the Defever cut in too close behind the tow after they passed each other. The Defever must have gotten broadside in the middle of the tows wake. Possibly some lower windows open, and when the water comes in......sometimes there is no stopping it. No matter what happened, the message is clear.........STEER CLEAR OF THE TOWS!

[captaindan]

OH Wow! I saw that boat in Morgantown. Nice boat. What a shame.