The Accident That Changed My Life
By Hunter Bland, Yamaha Marine Safety Ambassador ,
01-Aug-2022
On January 14th, 2017, I launched to fish a college bass fishing tournament on Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Georgia. As we idled by the takeoff dock, we had our life jackets on, fully fastened, navigational lights in and on, and my engine cut-off device attached and in proper working order. Roughly two miles down the Flint River, my hydraulic steering came completely apart, ejecting my partner and me from the boat at roughly 50 – 55 miles per hour. Nearby competitors called the tournament officials who safely took us to shore. Thankfully, we walked away with only a few scratches and bruises.