Boat captain charged with assault after incident with crew member

A 31-year-old charter boat captain is facing assault charges as authorities investigate allegations that he sexually assaulted a crew member who was employed by another vessel, BVI News understands.

It’s reported that the suspect, a national of Argentina, was taken into custody following a report made by another male boat captain. It is further understood that on the night of the incident, both captains and their respective crews met at a bar. After some time together, they were invited to the vessel being operated by the suspect. Amid the drinking and socialising aboard the vessel, a crew member complained about being sexually assaulted by the suspect.

It’s unclear whether the crew member who made the assault allegation is a male or female, but it’s understood that their captain confronted the suspect. The suspect reportedly denied the allegations and got defensive when repeated questions were asked. The two men reportedly got into a tussle and had to be pulled apart by the others on board. Our sources say the boat captain who confronted the suspect sustained injuries, though it’s unclear whether he had to seek medical treatment.

The police were later called, and the suspect was arrested and slapped with assault charges in connection with the physical altercation. Our news centre was told that investigators continue to examine the rape allegations involving the crew member. It’s unclear whether the suspect has been released on bail and when he’s scheduled to appear in the magistrate’s court to answer to the charges against him.