What could have prevented striking a day beacon at night resulting in the death of one and injury to another? (http://www.drumpoint.org/2012/07/coast-guard-medevacs-boater-near-tangier-island-va/)

In the accidents I have read about and accident locations that I have seen in daylight I'm thinking:

1. Improved local knowledge.
2. Reduced speed in darkness
3. Checking charts and route before departure.
4. At a minimum using a marine GPS
5. Posting a lookout.