James River Boating Accident Claims the Life of One, Leaves One Missing

A James River boating accident involving a capsized sailboat claims the life of one person and leaves another missing. The incident took place on Friday morning, May 13, 2011.

According to reports, six men and four women crammed into a 22-foot sailboat the night before for a midnight cruise. The sailboat left Deep Creek in Newport News when it capsized near Buoy 9 in the main shipping channel of the James River. All 10 people were sent into the water.

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued four of the victims who had been treading water for approximately three hours while five others made it to land. Unfortunately, one of the boaters, 23-year-old Tyler Lorenzi, died later that day.

No other details concerning the missing male boater were made available.

According to John Bull, a spokesperson with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, there were enough vests and flotation devices for everyone aboard the boat. However, they were not being used.

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If you or someone you know has been injured in a maritime accident, please contact one of our experienced maritime accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. at (713) 224-7800 or (877) 724-7800.