Backing a trailered boat down a launch for splashing is a task that experienced boaters take for granted.
But there are days such as this past Sunday in California’s Santa Monica Harbor, when a pickup truck that was easing a boat into the water became submerged.
The key lessons: Don’t back too far down the ramp, and it’s best to launch with a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Skip Abed, of the Santa Barbara Sailing Center, had a front-row seat to record the accident, and he provided a running commentary.
The skipper was able to get out of the truck and was standing atop the sinking vehicle when the Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol arrived.
“He sunk with the vehicle and broke out the passenger window and was able to get out,” Larry Nufar, of the Harbor Patrol, told KEYT News.
