Man Dies in Boating Collision Accident in North Eastern North Carolina

Every year we see serious accidents on the waterways of Virginia and North Carolina. The boating season has not been underway for long but there have already been three boating deaths on the waters of northeastern North Carolina, just south of the Virginia border, this month. On May 16, a 25 year old from Manteo, NC died, while on route to the hospital, due to injuries sustained in a two-boat collision in the Roanoke Sound, the Virginian-Pilot reported.

According to the North Carolina Resources Commission, the accident occurred north of the Shallowbag Bay. The collision involved two boats each with two people on them. While there were no injuries on one boat, Danuel Midgett Jr. of Manteo died the other vessel and another passenger on the same boat sustained less severe injuries.

Not much is known currently about what caused the accident or how it unfolded. However, North Carolina officials are conducting a thorough investigation. The deceased boater’s body will be examined by the state’s Medical Examiner’s Office to help determine the cause of his death. When people lose their lives in boating accidents, another party can often be at-fault. We do not know the circumstances of this incident, but without a doubt something went horribly wrong on the water. My thoughts are with the family of Mr. Midgett. I hope they get answers about what happened on Roanoke Sound.

This accident comes close on the heels of two boats colliding on the Chowan River in Gates County, causing the deaths of Douglas and Angela Martin from Virginia.

This month we are highlighting some of the dangers of boating in Virginia and North Carolina and encouraging everyone to stay safe on the water especially now in these hot summer months. To avoid disaster, you have to be careful about your speed and your surroundings. Also driving a boat while intoxicated has been shown to be incredibly dangerous and so it is important that you make the right decisions concerning your capacity to operate a boat. If you have been hurt in a boating accident that was caused by another person, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim against the insurer of the responsible party. Cooper Hurley Injury lawyers take on cases in Virginia and across the state line in North Carolina. Call for a free consultation at 757.455.0077.