Labor Day Boat Collision Leaves One Dead, Three Injured and One Missing off of Santa Catalina Island
Around one in the morning on September 6th, two vessels collided in the waters off of Catalina Island, a 176 square mile island lying about 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles. A dinghy carrying five people collided with a larger vessel near Casino Point and Descanso Beach, an area close by the popular Avalon Bay. One of the dinghy’s passengers was killed in the crash, and three others suffered injuries. The fifth occupant of the vessel went missing and has not been located. A search for the missing boater was called off Monday afternoon and resumed Tuesday morning, but with no success.
The operator of the larger vessel, which had two people onboard, sustained minor injuries.
Of the three injured dinghy passengers, two sustained minor injuries, while the third suffered a serious head injury. She was later identified as the long-term girlfriend of the man who lost his life in the crash. He was identified as Michael Harris, son of Peter Harris, who served as President and CEO of the San Francisco 49ers from 2000-2004.
The crash is still being investigated, but no leads have been uncovered so far. For instance, it is unknown whether either vessel was operating its lights or not at the time of the crash.
The attorneys at Magaña, Cathcart & McCarthy have a long history of representing victims of recreational boating accidents, as well as other maritime and offshore injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in southern California waters, call 310-553-6630 to speak with one of our experienced attorneys.
