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Sailboat Sinks, Six Rescued After Collision

Wednesday, July 14, 2004

Wearing a life jacket may seem like a bother, but the Shaffer family may be alive today because everyone on board their sailboat was wearing one. On July 4, about 4 p.m., Sunshine Express, Steve and Marilee Shaffer’s Express 27, was struck by a powerboat and sank in the Oakland-Alameda Estuary in San Francisco Bay.

Fortunately, everyone had on personal flotation devices (PFDs), including the two young children of their guests.

“Everyone was wearing a life jacket,” said Marilee Shaffer. “The five-year-old was sitting next to me and I grabbed her arm as we were launched into the water.

“The Alameda Police Department (APD) patrol boat was there almost instantly. Even with jackets on, it was a relief to have them come to our aid so quickly.”

She went on to say that the APD patrol officers were very well-trained and efficient, yet showed genuine concern for the well being of the victims. The situation might have been worse if the response had not been so timely, she said.

Lt. Jim Brock of the APD said the Express was tacking out - toward the Bay - when it was struck by the powerboat.

According to reports, the powerboat’s autopilot was operating, and the owner told authorities he had gone below for a moment.

The Express rolled, portside down, putting the mast in the water. Then the boat righted, filled with water, and sank.

Marilee Shaffer said she treaded water, holding the five-year-old until she could be handed aboard the boat that struck them. The other child, the parents, and Steve Shaffer were all taken aboard the powerboat. The APD patrol boat picked up Marilee Shaffer.

The sinking occurred on the south side of the deep-water channel opposite the container docks. The sailboat was salvaged on July 5, to avoid becoming a hazard to shipping. It is stored in a nearby boatyard to await survey.

The powerboat, a 36-foot Trojan, had minor cosmetic damage, Lt. Brock said. The operator of the powerboat was not cited.

While the sailboat appears to be a total loss, Shaffer said, there was neither serious injury nor loss of life.