Trio rescued, but family dog dies in Wellington Harbour capsizing

[ex Elly 221]

Three men have been safely rescued after the small boat they were in capsized, but the family dog – who was also onboard – did not survive after becoming trapped underneath.

The trio was “bobbing” up and down in the Wellington Harbour shouted at a passing ferry to throw them some life jackets, an eyewitness claims.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/122400576/trio-rescued-but-family-dog-dies-in-wellington-harbour-capsizing

 

[Kevin McCready 83]

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[aardvarkash10 1,065]

a lifejacket stowed in the boat is as useful as a seatbelt stowed in the boot...

[Rats 44]

Shouting at a passing ferry to throw them lifejackets demonstrates such a well thought out safety plan, we should invoice the obviously ignorant and of course the stupid..

[grantmc 59]

Sadly there are idiots. It was very lucky indeed that they were on the path of the East West Ferry. If not it could have been much more of a tragedy. 
I was out that day and it was a lovely sailing day but few boats. Very very cold, although clear skies, light winds and sunny, and of course it was a Monday.

[w44vi 17]

I guess they left the bung out ?

[grantmc 59]

No idea, but it would be a helpful warning to others to know the actual cause. 

[Kevin McCready 83]

Cause would be interesting, but why does it matter when stupidity is the proximal cause?

[Fish 0]

1 hour ago, Kevin McCready said:

Cause would be interesting, but why does it matter when stupidity is the proximal cause?

Sometimes well prepared people are afflicted by bad luck.

[ex Elly 221]

So the boat rolled quickly and they were left hanging onto the submerged hull. Their biggest problem was that they had no means of communication.

If they had a handheld VHF on their person, or flares in a grab bag they may have been able to attract attention a lot quicker.