Roro Edourre is charged with eight counts of manslaughter. Photo: VINO

VINO was informed that Renold Plasimond appeared in the Magistrate’s Court last week where he was charged with smuggling of migrants and unsafe conveyance. According to the Crown, he was the conspirator in the human smuggling operation.

Mr. Plasimond and the captain of the 25 foot power boat, Roro Edourre, have to return to court in July for report. Mr. Edourre has been charged with eight counts of manslaughter.

The men are on remand.

The aftermath of the accident left eight dead, four of whom were children.

According to court records, the boat departed from St. Maarten and was en route to the US Virgin Islands. However, after spotted by US Coast Guards, the vessel sped off and as a result capsized after hitting some rocks. Twenty five individuals were rescued and were eventually repatriated to their respective countries.

VINO was informed that some of the migrants paid as much as $1,500 to reach the USVI.

In addition to that, three other individuals in St. Maarten were arrested in connection with the smuggling ring.

The Coast Guard boat (to the right) and a one-man search party in dinghy searching the site of the incident on December 7, 2010. The second rock from left is the area where the boat was submerged and several illegal migrants were found on the rocks. Photo: VINO