MARIGOT:--- As the investigation of the boat mishap continues, a fourth person was arrested on July 4th, 2013 around 6am. Vice Prosecutor Flavien Noailles said in a press release that the fourth suspect is the captain of the ill-fated boat who managed to escape while the boat was sinking. The suspect (captain) was previously convicted on human smuggling charges and he confessed his participation on Sunday June 30th, 2013 when the incident occurred.
The third person who was arrested last week was released as he assisted logistically. Based on the investigation, the suspects will be charged with involuntary homicide, conspiracy by providing assistance to foreigners to enter St. Martin illegally for a number of days, while the third charge involves not providing assistance to the victims that were in danger. The three main suspects managed to escape from the Anguilla canal when the boat began sinking, leaving the victims who paid as much as $16,000 each to go to St. Thomas or St. Johns as they wanted to reach the shores of Puerto Rico. The three suspects were transferred to Basse Terre where they were indicted for the charges and have been placed in preliminary detention. Each of the suspects are facing a 10 year prison term, Noailles said.