Legal proceedings begin in fatal crash

For the first time, Frank Teixeira, 75, of Portsmouth (RI), stood before a judge on November 13, answering to charges stemming from a boat crash in which a sailor died.

His 28-foot-cruiser collided with a F18 Nacra MKII catamaran on August 11 near the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge on Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. Sandra Tartaglino, of Tiverton (RI), perished that day while she was competing in the New England 100 Regatta.

However, Teixeira wouldn’t be charged this day, with the arraignment continued until January 15 as Teixeira’s attorney, Christopher Gontarz, filed a request for discovery as he only has the Department of Environmental Management’s redacted documents from their investigation.

“Books, papers, documents, photographs, tangible evidence that are in possession and control of the state,” said Gontarz.

He said this time will give them a chance to review all evidence from the DEM’s investigation, which found no indication of alcohol or drug use on Teixeira’s boat, but cited four traffic violations:

• Risk of collision
• Action to avoid a collision
• Responsibilities between vessels
• Failure to keep a look-out

“He and his family express their deepest condolences,” Gontarz said. “It was a tragic calamity.”

A fund has been set up in Sandra’s name to promote women’s and youth sailing and boating safety. Anyone interested in contributing, donations can be made to The Sandra Tartaglino Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 491, Tiverton, RI, 02878.

Source: https://turnto10.com