North Haven fishing boat captain charged with manslaughter in crewman’s death
Maine fishing vessel captain charged with manslaughter after crew member’s death
GEORGE BARRETT, the 39‑year‑old captain of the Long Faces, faces a battery of criminal charges in the death of a crewman last month. The incident, which occurred in the waters off Vinalhaven, has prompted a thorough investigation by the Maine Marine Patrol and local law‑enforcement agencies.
The incident
On June 18, the fishing boat Long Faces was navigating Hurricane Sound near Vinalhaven when 57‑year‑old Marshal Ames, a crew member from North Haven, fell overboard. A resident of Hurricane Island quickly recovered Ames and carried him to shore on Dyer Island. While on the island, a local performed CPR in an attempt to revive him, but Ames was declared dead at the scene.
The Marine Patrol responded promptly after receiving reports of the fall. “We arrived on Dyer Island to find the crewman already deceased,” said an official release. “The body was recovered from the water near Vinalhaven.”
Charges against the captain
Barrett was initially charged with assault following an altercation with officers at the dock on Dyer Island. He was also accused of refusing to submit to a chemical test and of operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In a subsequent indictment, the charges were expanded to include:
- Class A manslaughter
- Operating a watercraft under the influence
- Aggravated failure to render assistance in a watercraft accident
- Reckless operation of a watercraft
- Two counts of reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon
- Obstructing government administration
- Refusal to submit to arrest
The expanded indictment suggests that investigators believe Barrett’s conduct contributed to the fatal outcome and to a broader pattern of unsafe behavior on the vessel.
Other crew member charged
The Long Faces’ 28‑year‑old crewmember, Theodore Lane, was charged with assault and disorderly conduct in connection with the incident. Lane, who was 27 at the time of the death, has since pleaded guilty and paid more than $600 in fines and court costs.
Context and background
The Long Faces has been active in the North Atlantic cod and lobster fisheries for several years. All vessels operating in Maine’s territorial waters are required to maintain safety equipment, register their crew, and comply with the Maine Marine Patrol’s regulations. The recent charges raise questions about safety practices aboard the vessel and the broader fishing industry in the region.
Current status
Barrett’s arraignment is scheduled for a future court date. The case remains a developing story, and additional information may emerge as the investigation continues. The Maine Marine Patrol has not released further details about the circumstances leading to Ames’ fall, or whether alcohol or other substances were involved.
Local authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. “We are looking into all aspects of this tragic event,” a Marine Patrol spokesperson said in a statement. “Our goal is to determine exactly how and why the crewman fell, and to hold accountable anyone who may have contributed to his death.”
Implications for Maine’s fishing community
The charges against Barrett have drawn attention to safety practices on fishing vessels operating out of North Haven. Industry groups have called for a review of training protocols for crew members, especially regarding emergency response and handling of alcohol on board. Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection has reminded vessel operators of the importance of maintaining proper safety equipment, including life jackets and flotation devices, and of conducting regular drills.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community will be watching closely to see how state agencies respond and whether any changes will be implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
