A July 2013
NEWS BRIEFS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Captain guilty in parasailing death; no limits on lionfish NEWS BRIEFS, from page A5 International Boat Show in June included superyachts for the first time, thanks to a newly-formed partnership with two superyacht groups: the US Superyacht Association and the San Diego Superyacht Association. New superyacht-related events this year included a golf tournament, an America’s Cup captain’s briefing and a VIP cocktail party. The events are for owners, captains and crew.
Captain guilty in parasailing death
The captain of a vessel involved in a fatal parasailing accident outside Charlotte Amalie Harbor in St. Thomas in 2011 has pleaded guilty, and the owner of the vessel has pleaded no contest, to charges under the Seaman’s Manslaughter Act. Capt. Kyle Coleman, 33, pleaded guilty to operating the motor vessel, Turtle, in a negligent manner, thereby causing the death of a passenger while on a parasailing excursion. CWS Tours, which owned the vessel, acknowledged that it was negligent with respect to the vessel. According to the plea, Coleman was captain of the Turtle at the time it was conducting parasailing excursions south of Water Island on Nov. 15, 2011, when passenger Bernice G. Kraftcheck was killed. Kraftcheck and her daughter, Danielle Haese, were hoisted into the air for the parasail ride as wind conditions were deteriorating. The strong winds and a weak towline caused the towline to break, resulting in the parasail separating from the vessel and the two women falling into the water. The wind then propelled the parasail, with the women still attached, at a high rate of speed, causing the death of Kraftcheck and serious injuries to Haese. Coleman faces a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $5,000 fine, plus restitution to the victims. CWS Tours faces a maximum penalty of five years probation and a $250,000 fine, plus restitution to the victims. Sentencing is set for Sept. 12.
FWC waives license for lionfish
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has agreed to waive the recreational license requirement for divers harvesting lionfish using certain gear and to exclude lionfish from the commercial and recreational bag limits, allowing people to take as many of the invasive fish as they can. Prior recreational anglers could not catch more than 100 pounds without a commercial license. Specific gear includes hand-held nets, pole spears, Hawaiian slings or
any other spearing devices designed and marketed exclusively for lionfish. An identical executive order put into place last summer was set to expire Aug. 3. The new rule will take effect so there will be no lapse in permissions. Lionfish are a non-native, invasive species that negatively impact Florida’s native saltwater fish and wildlife. Currently, the most effective method of removing lionfish from Florida waters is by spearing or using a hand-held net.
Yacht stew publishes ebook
Founder and CEO of Yacht Stew Solutions, Alene Keenan compiled her 20 years of experience working on yachts into a 200 page step-by-step guide for yacht stews. The book covers skills and requirements for STCW certification, styles of food and food service on yachts, housekeeping, laundry, yacht interior administration skills, yacht departments and responsibilities, chain of command, and many insider service secrets. Several soft topics are also covered including skills that distinguish a fair steward from an outstanding one: poise, attitude, enthusiasm, personal boundaries, confidentiality, and gossip control. “This is the book that I wish had been available when I started out in the yachting industry as a junior stewardess more than 20 years ago,” Keenan said. “It is not only for yacht stews, but for high-end service industry professionals everywhere.” To learn more about “The Yacht Service Bible” or to download the book, visit www.yachtstewsolutions.com.
Conservation grants awarded
West Marine awarded $40,000 of Marine Conservation Grants to organizations in t+he U.S. and Canada who are working to “improve and protect marine habitat.” This year’s thirteen recipients are based in Massachusetts, Florida, Washington, Louisiana, California, British Columbia, Canada and Hawaii for projects which enhance marine habitat, engage anglers in data collection and educate anglers about barotrauma. For details visit www.westmarine. com.
Comment on whale ship strikes
Comments are being taken for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries proposal to make permanent the rules implemented five years ago to reduce the number of collisions between ships and North Atlantic right whales. Post comments to www.regulations.gov no later than August 6.