Getty Images/iStockphotoA mechanic who inspected the fishing boat in which two men were killed when it collided with a nine-barge towboat testified Friday that the craft “never should have been out on the water.”
The boat had a rotten transom, a broken battery and solenoid and corroded wires, Robert Christoffel testified.
“I’m surprised the engine was even running,” he said.
The 30-year boat mechanic inspected David “Chris” Wilkey’s boat after the June 19, 2010 crash that killed Wilkey’s uncle, Richard Wilkey, 52, and friend Tim Spidle, 45.
Had the engine started, the 16-foot-long boat may have gotten out of the way before the 105-foot-wide, 675-foot-long, 21-foot tall, nine barge and towboat configuration came bearing down on the three men.