Appeals court to rule on boatman convicted over fatal sea crash that killed two Bahrainis

TDT Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The High Criminal Appeals Court will deliver its verdict on July 31 in the case of a boatman convicted over a sea crash that killed two Bahraini men. The defendant was earlier sentenced by the Minor Criminal Court to seven months in jail, fined BD1,150, and had his boat and nets confiscated. Bail was set at BD100, suspending the prison term pending appeal.

Two Asian crew members were also sentenced to 40 days in jail and ordered deported for illegal fishing and overstaying their visas.

Prosecutors accused the main defendant of causing death by negligence while operating the vessel under the influence of Pregabalin, a controlled substance he was not authorised to possess. He was also charged with multiple safety violations, including lacking essential equipment such as life jackets, a fire extinguisher, and first aid supplies. His vessel was also missing navigation lights and a tracking device, increasing the risk of collision.

The court originally sentenced him to six months for manslaughter and breaching marine safety regulations, and an additional month plus a BD100 fine for drug possession. He was also fined BD1,000 for illegal bottom trawling and vessel misidentification, and BD50 for missing safety equipment.

The crew received one-month sentences for unlawful fishing and an additional 10 days for immigration violations. They face permanent deportation after serving their terms.

The incident occurred near Al Mohammadiya Islet, where two boats collided. The boatman was later found towing the damaged vessel near Malkiya, with one victim’s body on board. The second body was recovered near Budaiya port.

Civil claims related to the incident have been referred to the civil courts.