Three on trial over fatal boat crash and illegal fishing

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Three men accused over a deadly boat crash that left two people dead appeared in court yesterday as their trial opened before the Fifth Minor Criminal Court.

A Bahraini and two Asian nationals stand charged with a range of offences, including causing death through negligence, fishing illegally using karaf nets, and drug-related violations.

The incident too k place off the coast near Al Mohammediya Island in the early hours of 25 December 2024.

The Bahraini defendant is also accused of being under the influence of a controlled substance at the time. He told the court what happened was “fate”.

His lawyer, Hussain Jawad, asked the judge for more time to prepare his defence and requested a copy of the case file. He also applied for the man to be released on bail, pointing to his family ties, including a wife and a three-year-old child.

Heirs

Representing the heirs of one of the deceased, lawyer Anwar Hamza submitted her power of attorney and also asked to see the case papers.

She requested a delay to allow her time to file a civil compensation claim.

The Public Prosecution called for the charges to be applied in full.

The judge ordered the case be postponed to 21 April to hear the arguments and for an interpreter to be made available for the second and third defendants. All three men are to remain in custody.