: And the blame doesn't stop there. I don't know if there was anyone
: "official" at the ramp or parking lot, but there should have
: been warning flags posted somewhere. Where were they and if none why not?

: And speaking of official, how come the coast guard won't accept float plans?
: How hard would it be to go there, hand a plan to the guy/gal and have them
: put it in a folder in alphabetical order every day? At the end of the day,
: go get it back. Simple, neat, orderly, and EVERYONE must be required to
: file one which gets them to somewhere "official" where they can
: learn that the conditions are getting bad and are going to get worse so
: "don't go out".

I agree that it would be a decent thing to approach somebody attempting a launch in deteriorating weather to make sure they are aware of the conditions they may be facing. Maybe get a general feel for their experience level and try to dissuade them if they are bent on launching.

But you can't really "blame" anybody else for this tragedy. Additional bureaucracy in the form of government required float plans or "officials" posted at the ramps is not the answer. The government can't protect us from all the possible ways we can get injured or killed. Ultimately, we all make our choices and live (hopefully) with the consequences.