Here's what the manufacturer, Strike Yachts, says:
I wanted to assist in clearing up the mystery of the Black Marlin and the 37 Strike. As you have read there are many posts and sites that contain justified and unjustified statements. Please know that this is one of those freak accidents and accidents happen anywhere at any time. We are thankful that there were fellow fisherman there and no one was hurt.
However as the boats manufacture I feel compelled to address some posts. As some think the Marlin did not take down the boat. The transom is 3 feet high from the waterline with a 13 ft. beam and a stepped hull does not play into what happened. The engine room was not filled with water considering the engines were still running. There was not a cracked exhaust, loose hose, the boat is equipped with bilge pumps, alarms and a lower helm station. This boat has been chartering in these same waters and conditions for over two years and has backed down on hundreds of Marlin without issue or concern.
Direct from Panama I was told that the sea conditions were not as calm as they seem to be in the pictures and the Captain was an experienced Captain. The seas were full of big swells and large waves. A large wave came over the transom and with the anglers all being in the starboard corner the boat leaned and the Captain in the tower lost his footing while the boat was still in reverse another wave came over the transom. At this time the captain slipped and believed to still have his hand on the throttle putting the boat in full reverse burying the transom into the next waves and swells. You can see how this might happen as you know when fighting a fish the Captain is facing aft with his hand on the throttles and when slipped the last thing your hand is holding onto is the throttle controls.
As mentioned this is freak accident where no one is to blame (not even the Marlin) Guys be careful out there anything can happen…Good Fishing…