In relation to boating, this is probably one of the most fascinating series of events captured on video that I have ever seen. This is an ongoing situation and I will be following up with many more details and developments. For now, have a look at what I feel is an incredible story of events.
Today I spoke with Alfred Montaner, who owns Luxury Rib Tenders, which is a company based in Miami that specializes in restoring rigid inflatable boats. His scope of talents covers seemingly every type of RIB, from yacht tenders to very high-end law enforcement types. He was taking a 36-foot Fluid 10M "Black Betty" RIB for a sea trial, which involved running the boat in the kind of conditions it was designed for. The Fluid 10M being trialed is powered by two 300HP Mercury Verado outboards, however the boat is designed to handle triple outboards, if required.
The outboard hung by its steering bar, but the decision was made to detach the hanging engine, so the remaining Verado could power the boat home. Once safely back, it was realized that two bolts on the remaining engine were also beginning to sheer off. That engine was probably minutes away from the fate of the first engine.
Montaner met with Sirocco Marine president, Boyd Tomkies present his plan to recover the outboard, which was in 120-feet of water. Tomkies offered to pay for the recovery, and Montaner organized the operation to recover the big Verado with Underwater Services, a company that specializes in underwater recovery. The complete operation was captured on video, and is some pretty spectacular footage of something we rarely see. The recovery was a complete success, and the Verado is being serviced for future use.
"The people from Fluid Watercraft were very bold in allowing me to post this video", states Montaner.
"Easily it could have been swept under the rug. Once the incident happened, Boyd Tomkies and I both felt that this video can help bring awareness and insight to help others from having this happen again."
I want to also make very clear that the failure of the engine mounting bolts was not due to intentional negligence on the part of the riggers. It does however highlight the very serious consequences of that rigging error, and the need to strictly use the required parts without substitution. A Montaner feels the videos he posted to his YouTube page would serve as a very graphic warning to other riggers about making sure the manufacturer-supplied mounting bolts are used.
The Verado is currently being serviced and we'll probably see more news on that on Montaner's channel.
I encourage you to have a look at the Luxury Rib Tenders website and Alfred Montaner's YouTube channel, because there is a lot of incredible content there.
This is a developing story, and an additional article will follow with more details, as well as the condition of the recovered outboard.
Loss of outboard:
Recover of outboard (full dive video):
Damage assessment:
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