Passenger Issued $5000 Fine For Jumping Off Cruise Ship – On Saturday, June 16, 2018 a passenger decided to jump overboard during a dinner cruise which embarked from Columbia Point Marina, in Richland, Washington aboard the Water2Wine Cruises’ 96-foot luxury yacht ship Chrysalis (see video below) which is managed by CEO Jay Denny.
According to a United States Coast Guard (USCG)Report, “While the Chrysalis was approaching the Columbia Point Marina, June 16, the man climbed over the rail and jumped off the vessel disregarding the master’s instructions. Prior to jumping the vessel’s rail, the man approached the captain requesting to jump off the vessel but was denied permission. After jumping overboard, the man swam to shore safely.
The Coast Guard issued a $5,000 fine, November 14, 2018 to a passenger who jumped overboard off a small entertainment vessel into the Columbia River near Columbia Point Marina, in Richland, Washington, June 16, 2018.
The fine is the Coast Guard response to action taken from an investigative report provided by the Benton County Sheriff’s Department who responded to the scene after being contacted by the master of the vessel Chrysalis, a Coast Guard inspected passenger vessel.
The act of intentionally jumping into the water from a passenger vessel is considered interfering with the safe operation of the vessel, a violation of 46 United States Code, Section 2302. Depending on the circumstances of the violation, the penalty for breaking this law is a fine of up to $33,333.”
According to the Government Publishing Office, “(a) A person operating a vessel in a negligent manner or interfering with the safe operation of a vessel, so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of a person is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 in the case of a recreational vessel, or $25,000 in the case of any other vessel.”
“Jumping into the water from a certificated passenger vessel, such as a tour boat or charter vessel, is not only dangerous for the person jumping, but it also endangers the lives of others onboard,” said Capt. Tom Griffitts, commanding officer of Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Portland. “Commercial passenger vessel crews are responsible for the safety of all passengers aboard their vessels and, in this case, their attention was diverted away from the safe operation of the vessel when they were forced to try and retrieve the jumper from the water.”
Water 2 Wine Cruises
Water 2 Wine Cruises office is located at 608 Williams Blvd, Richland, Washington. Chrysalis cruises on the Columbia River for Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises, brunch Cruises, lunch buffet cruises, sightseeing cruises, sunset cruises and private charter cruises.
Water 2 Wine Cruises website states, “The Chrysalis is a U.S Coast Guard approved 120 passenger vessels that features two spacious interior salons and two open-air decks. Her amenities include large picture windows for panoramic views during the cruise, flat screen televisions, an overhead sound system that lets you hear music, and presentations no matter where you are, and a full-service bar located on the upper deck.
We invite you to join us onboard – bring your friends, families, and appetites. We pride ourselves on providing decadent fare for every food preference –from vegan to meat lover. Our chefs tailor specialty dishes in our off-site kitchen and onboard galley to meet guests’ needs.”
Article Resources:
- USCG Report – Chrysalis Overboard
- Water2Wine Cruises
- Chrysalis Live Cruise Ship Tracker
- Government Publishing Office – 46 United States Code, Section 2302
- Webcams in Washington
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Video: Water2Wine Cruises
