The captain of a parasailing excursion boat faces a criminal charge after a fatal 2011 accident involving a parted towline in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The criminal case is a signal that the U.S. Coast Guard and federal prosecutors may be more willing to use manslaughter under the Seaman's Manslaughter Statute and other charges against parasailing providers who operate in treacherous weather or with unsafe equipment. Kyle Coleman, 32, surrendered his merchant mariner's license and has been indicted on the federal count of misconduct or neglect of a ship officer. The indictment alleges negligence or dereliction of duties that led to the death of Bernice Kraftcheck, 60, and injuries to her daughter, Danielle Haese, 34, on Nov. 15, 2011, near Water Island.
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