Dive boat captain faces new charge in California’s worst modern maritime disaster, which killed 34 people
by Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY
by Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY
NEW LESSON: At the end of the day, nothing happens unless there’s a reason to do it. A boat’s captain faces new charges in the deadliest maritime disaster in California’s modern history after prosecutors determined he should have recognized the warning signs of a fire that killed 34 people, and then ignored them.
Prosecutors charged Capt. William D. Buford with involuntary manslaughter the night after the May 17, 2010, ship collision that ended with 35 lives lost in the wake of an explosion that killed 34 people and caused $500 million in damages.
Buford had been placed on leave hours earlier. But the prosecutor said Friday the captain of the Carnival Triumph, which struck and sank the Liberty Star, was placed on leave as he was ordered to be by the Coast Guard.
The judge also issued a restraining order against the captain, a man who had threatened to kill one of his friends if he left the ship.
The judge also granted bail for Buford’s wife. They have two young children, who will be put in the care of Buford’s parents as the couple awaits trial.
“Carnival Triumph’s captain and crew failed to follow the clear, simple, easily accessible instructions of the Coast Guard for safe sailing and ignored the warning signs of an apparent fire,” Chief Assistant California Atty. Barbara D. Tipps said.
Prosecutors said the captain had asked for a different kind of captain when his vessel came back to port on Monday, May 20, after heading out a day earlier near Baja California.
The captain of the Triumph, Daniel G. Bessinger, also was placed on leave following an incident in which he allegedly threatened the life of one of his friends after the Triumph returned from its trip from Baja California.
“When it became evident that Mr. Buford was unable to return to his position as captain, Chief Counsel asked