Marathon, FL – The boat captain involved in a parasailing crash in Florida that killed his mother on an anniversary of 2022 is currently facing federal accusations.
Daniel Gavin Couch, 52, 52, allegedly helmed the boat involved in the crash, has been charged with one count of Seaman’s manslaughter, according to a charge returned by the Federal Ju trial this week.
Tropical Storm Erin was expected to become a hurricane this week: NHC
The crash, which crashed near the Florida Marathon at around 5pm on Monday, May 30, 2022, claimed the life of 33-year-old Splague Araparti, and injured his then-10-year-old son and nine-year-old nephew.
The incident unfolded while the victim, who had been visiting Florida keys with him, was parasailing while attached to a boat operated by the couch.
Prosecutors said bad weather, including strong winds, was caught up as the boat sailed through the water.
As the ship approached the old Seven Mile Bridge near the Marathon of Florida, a parasail struck the bridge.
Supraja Alaparthi was declared dead at the scene.
An investigation into the collision by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Board showed that the boat captain cut off a line carrying Araparti and two boys as Parasail was “tugged” by strong winds from a sudden summer storm.
According to the latest charges, prosecutors say the couch is engaged in misconduct, negligence or carelessness over his duties as captain.
Shortly after the incident, the victim’s family filed an unlawful death and two personal injury lawsuits. The second lawsuit against the captain, crew and Florida resort company owned the marina where the boat was based around a year later.
If convicted, the couch could be up to 10 years in federal prison.
“It was obviously not safe… I did it anyway.”
Pedro Ecialte, a Florida civil attorney representing the Araparti family, said Tuesday that the couch had crossed the line.
“It was obviously not safe for him to put them there, and he did it anyway,” Echalte said. “I think this captain’s actions are more than just negligence, so he’s been charged with the federal government.”
Araparti’s young son is still dealing with trauma, Echalte added.
“He witnessed his mother die,” he said.
One of the family’s main objectives is a call for action for better training and safety regulations to ensure the unfortunate events of May 30, 2022.
