Yacht Captain Will Stand Trial For Death of Boater off Westerly

PROVIDENCE, RI — Cooper “Chick” Bacon, 78, of Stonington, Conn., will stand trial for seaman's manslaughter in connection with a 2015 collision off Westerly that resulted in a death, the U.S. Attorney's office said. He was the captain of a 60-foot yacht that collided with a powerboat in 2015. Walter S. Krupinski, 81, of Stonington, who was on the powerboat, died as a result of the accident.

On Wednesday, a Providence federal grand jury indicted Bacon. According to court papers, on Sept. 22, 2015, Bacon left Newport aboard his yacht, The Princess, for a boat show in Stamford, Conn. On the way, he collided with Krupinski's 23-foot powerboat, the Peggy K. The indictment alleges he "failed to take precautions required by the ordinary practice of seamen; adequately assess the risk of collision; proceed at a safe speed; post his First Mate to look-out; and properly overtake, give-way and steer well clear of the Peggy K."

He is due in court for arraignment on Dec. 19.

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