Talofa sustained damage to its wooden hull. (Photo: TODD VANSICKLE)

Samuel Ricardo Leonard, the owner of shipping company Global Ocean Transporting, appeared at the Magistrates’ Court in Virgin Gorda on Monday to face accusations that he crashed a barge into an anchored yacht and fled the scene on April 23, 2015.

The Talofa sustained major damage to its wooden hull after a barge collided with the vessel while it was anchored in St. Thomas Bay, Virgin Gorda, last April. File photo: TODD VANSICKLE
Mr. Leonard was charged with conduct endangering a yacht, leaving the scene of a collision without rendering assistance, failing to keep a proper lookout, and using an unsafe vessel which had defective conditions.

According to Crown Counsel Chantel Flax-Ward, Mr. Leonard was operating the Princess Sam Asia when it collided with the Talofa, which was at anchor in St. Thomas Bay, VG.

“The Talofa yacht received structural damage and began to take on water following the collision,” she remarked.

Mr. Leonard did not remain at the scene to provide assistance, and he later blamed mechanical failure for the wreck, according to the prosecutor.

Information about the matter was sent to the VI Shipping Registry and the director of public prosecutions for review, Ms. Flax-Ward added.

Mr. Leonard, who did not have an attorney, told Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards he was confused as to why he had to appear at the Magistrates’ Court, as he had already appeared at the High Court in regards to the crash.

Ms. Richards explained that his explanation led her to believe that he could be facing a lawsuit from the yacht’s owners, and she said that being involved in a civil case does not exempt him from facing criminal charges.

She then granted Mr. Leonard $45,000 bail with one surety, and ordered him to return to court on April 25.

As Ms. Richards had speculated, Mr. Leonard is facing a lawsuit over the wreck.

Elisabeth Bryan, the co-owner of the Talofa, a charter boat, confirmed in October that her family has an ongoing civil case against him.

According to a copy of the claim form, which was filed June 15, the Bryans are seeking damages in the sum of $1,231,576.30.

“Special damages,” including Husky Salvage and Towing services and a “Naval Architect estimate,” accounted for $577,976.39, whereas loss of income accounted for $653,600, the claim stated.

Ms. Bryan also provided a copy of a police report that stated that the Princess Sam Asia had been registered in Panama, but the registration expired on April 19, 2015, four days before the wreck.

The report also stated that the VI Shipping Registry had inspected the barge on May 14, 2015, and found several defects.

See the Jan. 28, 2016 edition for full coverage.