Man tries to sink own Yacht for insurance money

[Sunny]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/02/22/yacht.fraud/index.html

[size=14]Seattle man accused of sinking his own yacht[/size]



(CNN) -- A Seattle man has been charged with insurance fraud for allegedly sinking his own yacht because of "financial pressure and frustration with the maintenance" of the vessel, authorities said.

On March 22, 2008, Brian Lewis, 50, scuttled the Jubilee in the Puget Sound Bay, then rowed a borrowed dinghy back to shore, according to court documents filed in February by prosecutors in King County, Washington.

Later that day, Lewis boarded a flight to take him to his job in Kodiak, Alaska, as a petty officer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, according to court documents.

Three days later, Lewis filled an insurance claim with USAA Insurance reporting the Jubilee sank accidentally "due to unknown causes."

However, due to environmental concerns, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources salvaged the vessel at a cost to the state of $2,866.

An inspection found a hole was drilled into the bottom of the Jubilee, and that two main engine sea strainers appeared to have been broken with a hammer.

"The vessel appeared to have been deliberately sunk," authorities said in their probable cause affidavit.

Confronted by investigators, Lewis admitted he intentionally sunk his vessel, saying the financial strain "caused him extreme anxiety and frustration."

Lewis told investigators "the engine trouble he experienced caused him to lose his temper. In his rage, he smashed the sea strainers with a hammer and drilled the hole to sink the vessel," the affidavit said.

"[He] wanted to clarify that his motive for sinking the vessel was anger and frustration, not greed," it added.

Prior to its sinking, the Jubilee had been listed for sale with Mahina Yachts for $28,500.

Jack Bateman, a broker with Mahina, remembers the Jubilee as a "beautiful" 1967 Chris Craft Cavalier. He said the Mahina has only seen this type of case one other time in its 30 years of operation.

"This is a very rare, not common occurrence" he says. Bateman added that Mahina has yet to see any real distress sales due to the bad economy.

The King County Prosecutor's Office has charged Lewis with making a fraudulent insurance claim.

Lewis filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2004. Messages left for him were not returned

[capt. scotty]

is that really a yacht?? look more like a fishing boat or something

[goose]

is that really a yacht?? look more like a fishing boat or something

Don't forget about all that wood.  That makes it a yacht I guess.

[Sassbox]

If it's over 40 ft., it's a yacht...power or sail.

[capt. scotty]

If it's over 40 ft., it's a yacht...power or sail.

Obviously you cant be sure from the pic, but it certainly doesnt look like its over 40 ft to me...Looks like 30, tops

[Sassbox]

Well, 40 ft. isn't hard and fast, but that's typically the length used by boaters these days.  Technically, if it's a boat for personal use (vs. commercial), it can be called a yacht whether it's a sailboat or powerboat.

[Penny Lane]

this reminds me of that arrested development episode (LOL) season 1 i think? (although he did it for the money-magic trick, right?)

[TheBigChicken]

this reminds me of that arrested development episode (LOL) season 1 i think? (although he did it for the money-magic trick, right?)

"It's not magic Michael,it's an illusion" ;D

[Penny Lane]

this reminds me of that arrested development episode (LOL) season 1 i think? (although he did it for the money-magic trick, right?)

"It's not magic Michael,it's an illusion" ;D

LOL ahhhh yes. Miss that show.

[Ruckus]

this reminds me of that arrested development episode (LOL) season 1 i think? (although he did it for the money-magic trick, right?)

"It's not magic Michael,it's an illusion" ;D

LOL ahhhh yes. Miss that show.

;D1st thing I thought when I read the thread name was that it must have been Gob.  Ha

[BH]

Things seem to be destroying themselves all over the country.

http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=167729&provider=top

[Dudley]

This would of been a great idea.. He should of said it was due to vandalism..