Boat propeller injuries swimmer | Boat captain charged for endangering life, gets bail
A 33-year-old boat captain was granted $10,000 signed bail after he allegedly caused his boat to endangered the life of a male passenger earlier this year.
Charged with ‘reckless and negligent act’ is Rajir Pickering, a BVI Belonger.
He was not made to plead when he appeared before Magistrate Samuel Jack Husbands last Thursday.
What the court heard happened
The court heard that on June 16 this year, the complainant who is from St Thomas in the neighbouring US Virgin Islands and his siblings boarded a vessel at the CSY dock following the Buju Banton show on Tortola back in June.
The party boat made several stops along the way including one at Norman Island and finally at the Willy T that was moored at Great Harbour, Peter Island.
The court heard that the complainant reportedly noticed Pickering who he claimed appeared to be intoxicated. Pickering was reportedly seen with a woman who was sitting in the captain’s chair while he navigated the boat.
The court further heard that the accused man sounded his boat’s horn while passengers were still in the water around the Willy T.
It is alleged that Pickering fired up the engine at the same time that the complainant was making his way from the water unto the back steps.
He reportedly sustained injuries to his buttocks and legs from the propeller’s engagement.
He was subsequently taken to the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital on Tortola and was later flown abroad for further medical attention.
Bail
Pickering’s legal counsel, Andrew Morrison, told the court that his client was a boat captain for several years and had no previous antecedents.
He told the court that Pickering is not a flight risk and corporated with the authorities during their investigations into the matter.
Magistrate Husbands then imposed bail in the sum of $10,000 with one signed surety.
The accused was ordered to surrender his travel documents and report to the Road Town Police Station every Friday between 6 am and 6 pm
His matter was then adjourned to December 5.
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WHAT AN IDIOT.
Just a matter of time before it happens at White Bay. Boats in the swimming area never a good thing.
Was the captain tested for alcohol? Prob not. Is he going to pay for the medical bills? Prob not. Is he going to be brought meaningfully into accounts? Prob not. Bahn here, name of Pickering, will prob get away scot free.
Why you all always hating on locals? Why you all have to constantly try to make something out of everything, do you think the captain willfully injured the man? You people need to get a life and stop sowing discord.
I have ur back accident do happen on and sea
“Why” nobody hating on us locals , by all accounts he had too much to drink and was in charge of a boat he did not “willfully “ injure the man but it seems he is responsible by neglect.
@What!!!
Did you see him drinking? We’re you there?
@What!!!
Did you see him drinking? Were you there?
“No name” Reading is fundamental “by all accounts he had too much to drink” I was not there and did not see him drinking so “by all accounts.” don’t think I can explain it any simpler to you.
I have ur back capt
I’m not getting caught up in the S”t but, I ? him with a drink cup in his hands before he escort the young lady to the CAPTAIN seat. Someone is always watching. He should be held accountable for what happen and compensate the victim.
That’s not nice trying to be judge and jury
For man, things do happen unfortunate things too.Many want bad things to happen tp others what if it was someone for you.
Let’s pray for each other in jesus name
Seems like you do know something but don’t play judge nor jury because it still seems like you don’t know much of what’s going on since this situation happen.
No Captain at any time should have any alcohol at all while in charge of a boat. Period. Mistakes happen but saying that especially at Willy Ts and Jost, you have to triple check there is no one swimming anywhere near a boat before starting it. Pure stupidness.
A lot of y’all coming on here playing captain when most of y’all sailing these boats especially at Willy T and Jost Van Dyke be drinking away as well. Don’t cast judgment cause the situation have not happened to you but rest assured it can happen to anyone. Mistakes do happen and that’s why you have mates to be your second and third eye.
Lol