The Tribune

By NICO SCAVELLA

Tribune Staff Reporter

nscavella@tribunemedia.net

FOUR C’s Adventures owner Clayton Smith and one of his captains, Roderick Watson, are to stand trial over allegations they caused the death of an American woman and injured nine other people due to negligence when their charter boat burst into flames last year.

The two men, of Stuart Manor, Exuma, pleaded not guilty to one count each of manslaughter by negligence and nine counts of causing negligent harm when charged before Justice Bernard Turner on Friday concerning the deadly explosion in waters off Barraterre, Exuma, on June 30, 2018.

A trial date was not set. Instead, Justice Turner transferred the matter to judge Carolita Bethel. The two men, who are free on $10,000 bail each, will return to Justice Bethel’s court on March 8 for a mention hearing and a trial date may be set.

Watson and Smith must report to the George Town, Exuma, police station every Wednesday before 6pm as part of their bail conditions until they appear before Justice Bethel.

It is alleged the pair’s negligence caused the death of Tennessee native Maleka Johnson, and also negligently caused harm to her husband of 15 years, Tiran Jackson, who had to have one of his legs amputated.

Similarly, the pair was accused of negligently causing harm to 22-year-old Vermont-native Stephanie Schaffer, who had to have both of her legs amputated. Smith and Watson are further alleged to have caused negligent harm to Stephanie Schaffer’s sister, Brooke Schaffer, her mother, Stacey Bender, and Paul Bender, her mother’s husband.

Smith and Watson are also alleged to have negligently caused harm to John Inman, Sheila Jones, Haiden Jones, and Kyle Ackerman.

Shortly after 9am on June 30 last year, a 40ft chartered tour boat was travelling in waters off Barraterre, Exuma, with ten tourists and two Bahamians on board, when an engine exploded, causing the boat to catch fire.

The ten people on board the vessel were injured and taken to the mini hospital in George Town. One of those injured, Mrs Jackson, died of her injuries, while several others were airlifted for further medical treatment.