Maritime Law--Boat Captain Sentenced in Fatal Parasailing Accident

The Virgin Islands Daily News reports that a U.S. Virgin Islands boat captain charged with causing the death of a woman killed while parasailing has been sentenced to 6-months of house arrest. The captain was also order to serve 1-year of supervised release, pay $1.4 million in restitution (along with the parasailing company) to the victims and perform 150 community service hours with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Police report that the captain took Bernice Kraftcheck and her daughter on a parasailing tour in 2011 amid heavy winds. The tow line broke, causing the women to fall into the water. The women were still reportedly attached to the parasail, killing Kraftcheck and seriously injuring her daughter. The captain pleaded guilty to operating the boat in a negligent manner and the parasailing company pleaded no contest to misconduct or neglect of a ship owner.

A complete copy of the article can be found here => Virgin Islands Daily News.

The new U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port for the Seventh District also stated in comments at a recent Propeller Club event, sponsored by Chalos & Co, P.C. that he was concerned at the safety of parasailing activities. He advised that it was an issue that the U.S. Coast Guard is carefully watching.

If you are interested in reaching me, you may do so by contacting me at mov@chaloslaw.com.

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