Multiple charges dropped against Andrew Morrell

Three of the four charges against Andrew Morrell in connection with the fatal boating incident that resulted in the death of Frandie Martin Jr. on October 16, 2021, have been dropped.

Morrell had been charged with manslaughter, causing injury to Elsa Baptiste, causing injury to Ray Brewley, and causing injury to Graham Stanton.

With the exception of the manslaughter charge, all other charges were dropped after Morrell’s attorney, Charles Bott, KC, of Martin Kenney & Company, successfully made a no-case submission before the presiding judge, Justice Stanley John.

His trial now continues in court for the manslaughter charge, and Morrell has opted to take the witness stand.

BVI News will provide more updates on his testimony in a subsequent publication.

What the court heard happened

The court was told that at the time of the fatal crash, the Blue Bayou was on the starboard side when it collided with the other vessel, Yeya. The designated captain of the Blue Bayou, Graham Stanton, along with his wife and children, were also aboard.

They were heading west in waters outside of Prospect Reef, Tortola when the captain reportedly gave the wheel to Morrell as he needed to use the bathroom.

Sometime later, the Blue Bayou collided with Yeya, and three persons on board the Yeya sustained severe injuries. Martin Jr, a resident of Fat Hogs Bay, subsequently died from his injuries. The captain of Yeya was identified as Ray Brewley.

Captain Stanton of the Blue Bayou is facing one charge of failing to render assistance following a collision.