Kitsap Co. Resident Drowning on Crab Opener

[silverdalesauer]

This from the Kitsap County Sheriff's Dept. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kitsapcountysheriff/

A 50-year-old man drowned Monday while crabbing from a kayak in Seabeck.

The man became entangled in a rope attached to a crab pot when the kayak overturned. The victim had not been wearing a life jacket and was attempting to put one on but was hampered when the life jacket also got caught in the rope.

A Kitsap County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit was dispatched along with Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue. The victim was pulled from the water and declared dead at the scene.
A reminder, always wear a life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) when on the water in small personal craft such as kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, personal watercraft (Jet Skis & Sea-Doos) and other smaller vessels. Life jackets must be onboard and easily accessible for each person aboard larger boats.


This is a terrible tragedy that could've been avoided.  :'(

[addicted1]

Pulling a crab pot from a boat can difficult, from a kayak seems incredibly difficult. Not sure a life jacket would have done much if he had pulled up the pot very far.

[CP]

I can’t imagine kayaking without a PFD, let alone crabbing from a kayak without one.  But regardless, this is incredibly sad.

[ducks4days]

Horrible news. 

The best time to put on a life jacket is at the launch. The second best is when you need it. I hope folks can remember to prioritize safety, for themselves but especially to set a good example for the kids this summer.

[dilleytech]

F around and find out.

[metlhead]

For those that drop pots from kayaks, please use a slip bouy between pot and marker bouy. Same as the anchor setups, it'll stop the pot from freefalling if you encounter trouble.

[GASoline71]

We watch in horror every year up here on Whidbey Island, the floating contraptions people will use to deploy and retrieve crab pots/traps.  A lot without PFD's on.  I just don't understand how a limit of crabs is more important than one's own life.

Gary

[MADMAX]

Too bad
But it could just be natural selection

[Gentrys]

I'm always amazed when I see someone shrimping from a Kayak.   Dealing with pots and rope from a boat is enough of a challenge for me.

[dilleytech]

We watch in horror every year up here on Whidbey Island, the floating contraptions people will use to deploy and retrieve crab pots/traps.  A lot without PFD's on.  I just don't understand how a limit of crabs is more important than one's own life.

Gary

We all have a different ideas of what dangerous is and what risks we are willing to take for enjoyment. Did you know people drive motor cycles on highways.. 😳

[Jake Dogfish]

We watch in horror every year up here on Whidbey Island, the floating contraptions people will use to deploy and retrieve crab pots/traps.  A lot without PFD's on.  I just don't understand how a limit of crabs is more important than one's own life.

Gary

We all have a different ideas of what dangerous is and what risks we are willing to take for enjoyment. Did you know people drive motor cycles on highways.. 😳

I crab out of my float tube every week that it is open.  I bring a safety flag and always wear my life jacket.
Only thing I worry about is other boats.