Tragic Sinking Evokes Safety Regulation Questions

Experts and detectives are of the tragic Fourth of July sinking that .

Eyewitnesses have speculated on the cause of the capsizing, including overloading the boat past a safe capacity and irresponsible boaters who drove past, knocking the boat over in their wake.

Key questions being asked include:

•  Were there too many people aboard the 34-foot Silverton at the time. Investigators said 27 were aboard when it capsized. Boating experts believe that number to be excessive for a boat of that size.
• Did speeding boats making a fast getaway from the area cause a large wake sufficient to capsize the boat?
• Was pilot error to blame in any way?
• Was approaching bad weather a factor?
• Were there a sufficient number of life vests aboard? One is required for each passenger (although they need not be worn by all.)

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Some are taking this as a sign that boating regulations and enforcement must change.

Do you agree? Do you think the tragedy could have been prevented with stricter boating laws? Would this accident have happened anyway because of the turbulent waters after the fireworks?

Vote in the poll below and share your thoughts in the comments.