Tragedy On The Gulf

Gulf State Park Pier Boat Accident Six-year old boy and four men injured in boat accident near Gulf State Park

by Pat Peterson

Published: Fri, November 02, 2007 - 3:29 pm CST Last Updated: Fri, November 02, 2007 - 4:22 pm CST

A fishing trip ended in disaster Thursday night when a boat collided with the old Gulf State Park pier. The captain of the boat and a six-year old boy are in critical condition tonight. Three are men on the boat are in stable condition at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center.

"When we got to the scene there was blood everywhere," says Sgt. Jody Kelley with the Alabama Marine Police. "Our focus was to get the people out of the boat before it sank, especially the young boy."

The boat sank while Marine Police officers tried to tow them in.

"We don't know exactly what happened," says Kelley. "We're not sure if they were speeding or if the captain got disoriented, but most people around here are familiar with the old pier and where's it's located. The captain involved in the accident is from Orange Beach and he's an experienced boater."

The Gulf State Park fishing pier was damaged during Hurricane Ivan and hasn't been repaired. There are no beacons, lights or markers on the remains of the old pier to warn boaters about the hazard. A spokesman with Alabama's state parks says they're looking into the accident.

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slc747 Says:

Sun, Nov 04, 2007 at 12:17 pm

Hi alvin thank you for visiting my son in the hospital, our prayers are with you and your son. This has been a terrible tragedy for these boys but we have to give them all of our support and love.

alvin Says:

Sun, Nov 04, 2007 at 12:08 pm

my son was also on the boat, we thank your brother with all our hearts. my son was told to swim when he couldn’t because of his injuries. if it hadn’t of been for a rope in the water he would have drowned. i thank the good lord for watching out for them.

slc747 Says:

Sun, Nov 04, 2007 at 11:53 am

My son is one of the adults that were on the boat. Belive me we thank your brother from the bottom of out hearts. No one who was on the boat, or their families, but any blame on your brother, only thanks. The problem was with towing the crashed boat with everyone including your brother on board, and of course, the non lighted or marked pier. Please give your brother our thanks.

Dianna Says:

Sun, Nov 04, 2007 at 11:34 am

I think that everyone should commend the fire fighters that saved these guys lives. One of the firefighters was my brother and I think that we should commend him for what he did to save this little boys life! Dont pass judgement and start saying what THEY did wrong ...you have no idea what you would have done in a situation like this! My brother was burned from the gasoline and was taken to the ER where he was treated and released, never the less in our eyes he is a hero…..Come on people do you think that this little boy would be alive IF my brother had not done what he did?
commend them instead of casting judgement and pointing out what they should have done…..We are very proud of him and glad that there was someone more powerful looking down and holding his hand during this accident.
We commend you and are very proud of you

slc747 Says:

Sat, Nov 03, 2007 at 7:12 am

The paramedic was treated at the hospital for chemical burns from being in the gasoline.

fastwheels Says:

Sat, Nov 03, 2007 at 12:39 am

What happened to the paramedic?

voter Says:

Fri, Nov 02, 2007 at 4:21 pm

Why was there no mention of the injury to the paramedic?