Federal investigators are seeking witnesses to the deadly collision of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection boat and a tiny dinghy shortly before Carnival fireworks in Charlotte Amalie Harbor, officials said Friday.
The National Transportation Safety Board asked for witnesses to the May 2 crash that killed local boater and musician Shawn Leass in Haulover Cut, the narrow channel between St. Thomas and Hassel Island, who have photos or video — or any other relevant information — to email the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.
Some witnesses told the Source they were reluctant to come forward either out of fear of reprisal from federal law enforcement officers or out of deference to Leass’ sister on the mainland, who had asked they withhold public comment while she consulted an attorney.
The board said all witness names would be redacted in NTSB documents.
A Water Island resident, Leass was in his dinghy when the speeding 41-foot CPB vessel ran him down shortly after dark two weeks ago, witnesses said.
Divers recovered the dinghy after an all-day search of the area May 7.
Leass abstained from alcohol but was a beloved fixture at St. Thomas open-mic nights where he reliably stoked roaring enthusiasm with his exuberance renditions of classic rock anthems, friends said.
