A San Antonio family helped change Texas law in memory of their daughter. 16-year-old Kali Gorzell, who was on a trip with her friends fishing off Port Aransas in 2012. A family friend was behind the wheel of the boat.
“Robert was just making a gradual turn and the boat swapped ends 180 degrees,” said James Gorzell, Kali’s father. Kali was thrown off the boat and struck by the propellers.
Since then, her family has been pushing for change. They learned soon after the accident that the Texas Flats boat, the type of boat Kali and her friends were on, has had similar problems reported in the past.
This is very important boating safety milestone and the persistence and hard work of Kali’s family, and the passing of the Texas law, will be a pivotal moment in encouraging other states to pass similar bills.
Texas boater’s should be aware that wireless engine cut-off systems like FELL Marine’s MOB+, comply with new law, as well as the standards set by the boating industry (ABYC A-33).
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has also taken a lead role with this law by implementing the installation and use of the MOB+ from Fell Marine. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department vessels in several regions of Texas are having the MOB+ installed after the department successfully tested our product and made recommendations to start installations.