'Drunk' skipper reportedly caused man to be chopped by propeller on party boat
Prosecutor Kael London said Pickering skippered the Bella Rosa on June 16, 2019, after the Buju Banton show, to a number of the outer islands. Its final stop was at the Willy T, which was at the time located at Great Harbour, Peter Island.
At approximately 5:20pm Pickering reportedly sounded the horn, alerting passengers the boat was about to leave.
The defendant; however, allegedly fired up the engine just as the virtual complainant was making his way up the back steps from the water. The propellers reportedly made contact with his buttocks and legs.
The virtual complainant was taken to Peebles Hospital and was subsequently sent abroad for further medical attention.
Captain was reportedly intoxicated
The prosecution said the virtual complainant’s report indicated that Pickering was drunk during the journey.
The virtual complainant said when he and his siblings boarded the vessel at the CSY dock on Tortola he noticed the defendant, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, heading to the wheel with a young lady.
The same young lady was seen sitting in the captain’s chair while the defendant navigated the boat.
Reckless charge
The VI Belonger was then charged with reckless and negligent act.
Pickering did not enter a plea when he appeared for the first time before Magistrate Samuel Jack Husbands last Thursday, October 11, 2019.
Pickering’s attorney Andrew Morrison pleaded to the court that his client was a captain for several years with no previous convictions.
The defendant was then granted $10,000 signed bail and is to return on December 5, 2019.
He is to surrender his travel documents and report to the Road Town Police Station on Fridays, between the hours of 6:00am and 6:00pm.
15 Responses to “'Drunk' skipper reportedly caused man to be chopped by propeller on party boat”
Where was the mate or mates at that time?
These commercial boats need 1 or 2 mates depending on the size of the vessel.
You dint need the assistance of mates....WHEN THE BOAT IS DOCKED AND TIED BETWEEN 2 OTHER BOATS! This man nearly kill a man to rush to spend time with an u***y chic! You engaged the engine of boat that’s still docked and tied with all kind of people in the water!? The INTELLIGENCE of locals only surpassed by the ugliness smh.
The man was wrong. I know it and he knows it. Everyone there knows it. Point blank period.