Prince Edward Island man charged after fatal boat collision two years ago

GEORGETOWN, P.E.I. – A Prince Edward Island man is facing four charges in connection with a boat collision two years ago that left two men dead.

Clarence Barry White, 51, was charged last Thursday with two counts of criminal negligence causing death, and two counts of failing to keep lookout, under the Canada Shipping Act.

He has not entered pleas and is due back in Provincial Court in Georgetown, P.E.I., on Aug. 13.

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A report by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada says the two boats, Forever Chasin’ Tail and the Joel ’98, left Beach Point, P.E.I., to haul lobster traps on June 9, 2018.

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The report says the three crew aboard Forever Chasin’ Tail laid their traps and headed home, setting the automatic pilot to steer a westerly course toward the entrance to Beach Point harbour.

The boat collided with the Joel ’98 and its five-person crew, killing Justin MacKay, 20, and 59-year-old Chris Melanson.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 13, 2020.