Solution dead ahead for Galveston's shipwrecked sailboat, owner says

Full disclosure, I am counsel for Ms. Porretto. Please note that the Park Board's counsel alleges Chief Davis was not present during the "rescue" and abandonment of the vessel on Porretto Beach. However, others allege Chief Davis took control of the scene that night. What does the paper have to prove Minshew is the legal owner because I have not seen any proof of legal ownership? The vessel is over 14 ft and ownership is based under Tx. Parks & Wild. Code Section 31.045. There are all sorts of contradictions with each news article and person we get information from to figure out what is going on with this vessel. Minshew’s Youtube videos are interesting and suggest a high-level irresponsibility, lack of proper planning, and reliance on others to fix problems he causes. The first time he took the vessel out he got stuck in the mud in Lake Conroe. Another boater helped tow him out. Keep in mind Ms. Porretto - the one who is economically damaged - has to learn what the Park Board is doing through the paper. This is wrong. Alternatively, the City and GLO have been responsive on this issue. Also note, all of these articles and damages to Porretto Beach from a vessel Minshew claimed was valued at $5k. The first time he took it out he got stuck in the mud in Lake Conroe unaware apparently that lakes have mud.

The GLO earlier today informed me that an inspection/investigation was underway. Only after the GLO reached out today did the Park Board’s counsel respond - first communication from PB about the vessel. The question is why is Beach Patrol involved if Minshew has not shown he is the legal owner and why did Beach Patrol allow the vessel to be abandoned in the first place. There are statutes @ abandoning a vessel. This vessel had gas cans and other items that were never mentioned in any of the GDN articles. In fact, Minshew claims someone sawed off an outboard motor which held 9.9 gals after the vessel was abandoned which would have gone in and out with the tide. The engine (14 gals) reportedly was inoperable. Did Minshew, his girlfriend Lianna Lightfoot, or the others receive any citations for this incident? Per his Youtube videos, Mr. Minshew is opposed to having stress in his life and depends on the generosity of others, but apparently has no concern for the stress and financial impact he caused Ms. Porretto.

Notably, Chief Davis has been featured in three GDN stories but never provided notice to Porretto of the incident as required by procedure. Why would Chief Davis immediately send the GDN pictures and not contact Ms. Porretto before responding to the paper?. Why is the private property owner who was impacted not contacted? Why is the GDN not reporting on the GLO’s involvement?

This whole incident shows there needs to be better procedures in place with the Beach Patrol and maybe shifting the responsibility to other law enforcement.

I am counsel for Ms. Porretto. Please note that the Park Board's counsel alleges Davis was not present during the "rescue" and abandonment of the vessel on Porretto Beach. Others allege Davis took control of the scene. Beach Patrol never contacted Ms. Porretto as required when a vessel is abandoned. What does GDN have to show Minshew is legal owner? See, Tx. Parks & Wild. Code Section 31.045. Each news article presents contradictions with what has been said to others. Minshew’s Youtube shows irresponsibility and reliance on others to fix problems he causes. The first time he took the vessel out he got stuck in the mud in Lake Conroe. Keep in mind Ms. Porretto - the one who is economically damaged and has to learn what the Park Board is doing through the paper. This is wrong. Alternatively, the City and GLO have been responsive on this issue.

I would really like to understand why the Galveston Daily News is painting this Minshew guy with his sailboat boat abandoned on our city’s beaches as such a sympathetic miscreant?

It is abundantly clear that he has less than no experience as a boater - he sailed with an impending storm - he made a conscience decision to put himself, his passengers and dog all in jeopardy by operating the vessel in unfavorable conditions - he never changed the registration of the boat as he is required to do, by law - he never properly insured the vessel before taking it onto the public waterways as he is required to do, by law on any vessel over 14ft. He had no proper communication equipment, no flares and a complete lack of adequate safety equipment. He put our brave beach patrol swimmers at risk and hit some of the piers at Pleasure Pier. This had all the hallmarks of something that could have ended very badly. You are painting this is some cute playful - oh - golly gee kind of mishap - when it is far more serious.

Where is your reporting that this individual is a careless - law breaking - beach destroying - nitwit?

No responsible person would act the way this guy has acted. He walked away from the boat on our Galveston beach and he is looking for someone to help clean-up the mess he created by his careless - illegal and reckless behavior.

You are making him seem like The Skipper or Gilligan when he more like Captain Edward Smith, Captain Joseph Hazelwood or Captain Francesco Schettino.

How about a dose of real reporting and not a puff human interest piece fit for Reader’s Digest!

Come on - the Galveston Daily News can do better than this! Scott, you can do better than this!

After reading the article, my wife called this man Menso, which translates to english as Stupid or ignorant.

I remember a time ago in Bolivar, a family rented the house behind my parent’s beach house. These folks brought a ski boat along and launched it in the surf. They had a good time skiing and boating around out beyond the waves. They made a mistake though and figured they could anchor it in the gulf overnight. They woke up to it turned hull side up. The tide had gone out and the glass transom was stuck in the sand. They called a tow truck to see if they could extract it. The wench on the truck just basically pulled the inner liner apart from the hull. They winded up hauling it off in several pieces, totally ruined. I presume this will be the fate of this craft if they don’t get it removed professionally.

A sailboat similar in size to Minshew’s (a Pearson 33) sunk in the surf out around Pirates Beach back in the late 70’s. Local TV crews showed to cover the incident. I was working for the dealer that sold the boat that summer, and as a part time mechanic spent many hours outfitting the boat. When I saw the news cast, I couldn’t believe it. I was like “Holy Crap that’s Mr. So and So’s Pearson”. After calling my coworkers, they confirmed that yes indeed it was. The owner hired a boom truck to extract the vessel (in one piece). The boat stayed up on blocks in Seabrook for awhile and then was sold to salvagers, who then hauled it off.

Capt. Bill, it would be helpful if you read the stories before commenting on them. It would make things so much easier & I wouldn’t have to bring you up to speed. There have been a series of stories about this topic - it said he was calling people like GLO and the Yacht Basin Marina. He also contacted the City, County & Seatow.

You have several times defended drunk drivers in stories I commented on with the same non-sense that being young and stupid is somehow a defense for bad acts - so please try to keep pace with your own post - it is tiresome reminding you.

Lord Dagnon would be just fine with me - as I do come from Noble Irish linage. My last name is a derivative of the word “King” in Gaelic.

As for you advancing the woke language police argument on me - I’ll pass - feel free to “Cancel Me”, no one has so far this week - you can be the first.

To answer your question - 1.) I would not have skulked off to Kemah. I would be right there with the boat until the issue was resolved. 2.) I am respectful enough of the sea that I would have never sailed into a storm. 3.) I wound not have bought a boat if I could not afford all the necessary requirements - like transferring it and getting proper insurance for it and have proper safety equipment for it. Again - why are his poor decision making skills and bad financial decisions an excuse for him being a lawbreaking, beach fouling, nitwit?

Ok Capt. Bill - I bet if he cranked that boat into your marina and did damage and had no insurance - you would be just fine with it. OK!! I’m not buying that steaming pile!

Michael - no need to tell me I have good points - as Capt. Bill asserts - I am a narcissist - so I don’t really need your affirmation.

Michael - one curious point maybe you can help me out with. When private land owners want to develop there privately owned lands - seems you are ok with the stopping them for the “Greater Good” of the Ghost Wolves, but in this case you are intent on know who owns it - I find those two positions in such odd contrast. Inconsistent and factually flawed like so many of us your positions.

It’s your hat, Bill.