1977 The Worlds First Winchboat Accident In 1977, during a Live Demonstration of McCulloh’s new Parasail Winchboat with local TV and print media in St. Petersburg Beach, Florida, the engine seized during flight and the parasailor descended into the water. Although, the passenger was wearing a full body parachute harness equipped with a quick disconnect, she panicked and failed to release herself. To complicate matters, the parasail started to sink due. Unable to keep her head above the water, she had to be rescued by cutting the parasail lines. As a result of this accident, corporate investors withdrew the offer made in 1976. previous next