The skipper of a tour boat was charged Friday with manslaughter for leaving behind two American scuba divers on a trip to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Coroner Noel Nunan alleged that captain Geoffrey Ian "Jack" Nairn was responsible for the deaths of Thomas Lonergan, 33, and his 28-year-old wife, Eileen.The couple, from Baton Rouge, La., were last seen on Jan. 25 on Nairn's boat, Outer Edge, along with 24 other divers.
An extensive police search failed to find the Lonergans, although some diving equipment believed to belong to them was later found washed up on beaches in north Queensland. The equipment included a writing board used by divers to communicate underwater that bore the message: "Please help us. Find us soon before we die."
Nunan rejected claims the couple may have staged their disappearance or were involved in a murder-suicide. He said they probably either drowned or were eaten by sharks in the two or three days after they were left.
"I am satisfied a reasonable jury would find Mr. Nairn guilty of manslaughter," Nunan said.
After procedural hearings, Nairn will now face a jury trial on manslaughter charges. In the next phase of the case, he will appear before a judge for a trial date to be set.
The coroner's report will be handed over to state prosecutors who will prepare a case that will be presented to a jury.
The coroner criticized safety procedures on board the Outer Edge, saying Nairn had failed in his responsibilities as skipper by not checking the dive master's log and conducting a head count before turning his boat to shore.
"The skipper should be vigilant for the safety of passengers and ensure safety measures are carried out," Nunan said.
Nunan was also critical of the 50-hour lapse between the return of the boat and when the disappearances were reported to police.
Nairn was visibly upset when Nunan read out the charge. Later, he said he was innocent.