Yeah it was the breakwalls fault as it jumped out in front of him. I was commenting on the danger of the area for those not familar with it. This is not the first time and will not be the last time this has happened. It seems pretty stupid that there are breakwalls miles offshore that are not marked. Common sense and respect will do nothing for you if it is pitch black out on the lake and you are crossing in the wee hours of the morning. You are just asking for trouble boating at night.

They said speeding,It couldnt of been going very fast.I guess any speed above idle at night if you cant see.

Ya never know why they were out that late?

Now punch in Navy Pier Chicago and look at the breakwalls that are unmarked. usually 2 to 3 boats per year hit it at night.

the problem at night on lake michigan is that you focus on the lights on shore and aim for your destination. before you know it, there is a buoy,break wall or other obstructions you end up on top of. i have not personally had any mishaps but can easily understand how it happens. during the day you look at it asking what kind of idiot can run into that, night time is a whole different story.

Its been pretty hazy over here with the warm temps and cold water. Its been pretty difficult to see very well during the day time. Still not an excuse

3 died on Lake Erie here this past Sunday, same type of thing -- stand alone break wall 1500 ft from shore 2 small blinking lights one on either end. One light is green and the other is yellow -- which blends in with the parking lot lights behind it on the mainland.
Its not the best situation and is very hazardous, i also don't believe that inexperienced boaters should be out at night until they get famaliar.
There have been 5 fatalities on this stone breakwall in the last 10 years, and there have been a few very lucky ones.

Hope that he gets better. That being said, it really does pay to research an area before you just launch and go. How many damn web sites are there with people willing to help out and give advice?

Very sad situation. Inexperience and night do not go well together . If you are heading out at night, you need to have a chart, and know how to read it. A good GPS and radar is a big plus as well. And.... most importantly, slow down.


Darrell.

It was also raining thoughout the night.

I know....used to boat there. Running back to Wilmette one night almost hit a very large metal buoy completely unmarked and a few miles offshore. No light...nothing. I was doing about 35mph. Missed it by about 5'.