FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (AP) — No criminal charges will be filed following an investigation into the fatal capsizing of a yacht off Long Island last July 4 that killed three children.
Nassau County DA Kathleen Rice says a unique combination of circumstances were responsible for the accident. But she says the investigation uncovered no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
She says the investigation would continue. A report on the accident and recommendations will be issued at a later date.
The attorney for the operator of the boat, Sal Aureliano, says his client was relieved to hear the news.
The children and two dozen other people were on a 34-foot-long motor yacht to watch Independence Day fireworks off Oyster Bay when the boat overturned and sank.
Authorities had suggested that overcrowding may have been a factor.
