SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – One of the people injured in last night’s boating accident has died from his injured. 8-year-old Anthony Cole DeWesse of Rancho Penasquitos was riding in a pleasure boat with his family when a 33-foot Coast Guard vessel struck his family’s boat. Eyewitnesses could hear the people on board the pleasure vessel yelling “Watch out” prior to the collision. The DeWesse party only had half a second warning before they were hit.

Alan DeWeese, Anthony’s father said the group had just finished watching the fireworks on the family’s 26-foot Sea Ray at the time. They were waiting for the boat parade to begin when they heard the Coast Guard boat speeding from behind at an estimated 30 to 40 knots. He said he tried to steer out of the way but did not have time.

Officials for the Coast Guard said the boat was responding to an emergency call at the time of the accident. No one was thrown into the water and both boats made it to shore under their own power. However, five people were injured. They were taken to the dock behind the Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island. In addition to Anthony and two adults, two other children, ages 3 and 4, were also injured. They were taken to Rady Children’s Hospital with minor injuries. The two injured adults were taken to UCSD Medical Center for treatment of major trauma.

This tragic accident occurred during a long-running, high-profile holiday event. More than 80,000 people had been expected to watch the 38th annual procession of lighted boats. The Coast Guard is conducting a thorough investigation of the crash. In addition, the National Transportation Safety Board is sending a team from the East Coast to conduct its own accident investigation.

This was a horribly tragic accident that forever changed the lives of those involved. Our hearts go out to them in their time of grieving. We wish the surviving family members a full and swift recovery from their physical injuries.

While a money settlement will never replace your loved one, it may help to alleviate the financial stress associated with such a tragic accident. The personal injury and wrongful death lawyers at Berman & Riedel, LLP have handled many complicated cases with legal professionalism and compassion. If you have a case you would like to discuss with a lawyer, contact the firm to set up a case consultation. You may also visit www.bermanlawyers.com to learn more about personal injury and wrongful death law.