Ship captain accused of manslaughter following death of British tourist in Benidorm
A ship captain faces manslaughter charges following the death of a British tourist in a parasailing accident in Benidorm on 10 August, as investigators examine a possible cover-up.
Investigation into cover-up in Benidorm parasailing accident
A ship captain has been accused of manslaughter following the death of Beverley White, a 66-year-old British tourist from St. Austell, Cornwall, in a parasailing accident in Benidorm on 10 August. The Guardia Civil has also accused a second man of cover-up following the incident, according to The Olive Press.
White was undertaking a tandem flight with a male companion aged 47 when the parachute cable broke and both fell into the sea. Strong winds at the time carried them towards rocks. White died at Marina Baixa Hospital in Villajoyosa from injuries sustained, whilst her companion survived the incident.
The Guardia Civil analysed the circumstances of the accident, including rapidly deteriorating weather conditions with a storm and intense wind gusts. In their investigation, officers determined that the person in command of the vessel was not the person initially presented as the ship's captain.
A representative of the parasailing company initially declared himself to be the captain of the vessel, but subsequently admitted he was not in command during the accident and identified another employee as responsible for operating the boat. The second man was not listed in the company's records as a crew member.
The Guardia Civil stated that both individuals are under investigation: one for the alleged offences of manslaughter and assault, and the second —who initially claimed to be the captain— for alleged cover-up. The findings have been handed to the courts in Benidorm, which will decide on legal action against the accused.
An inquest opened in Truro this month revealed that White suffered cardiac arrest after falling into the sea.
Source: The Olive Press