Who is Elio Persico? The Skipper Who Caused the Fatal Boat Accident that Killed Adrienne Vaughan

Elio Persico Wiki – On August 4, 2023, a tragic boat accident off the Amalfi Coast in Italy claimed the life of Adrienne Vaughan, the president of Bloomsbury USA, the publisher of the Harry Potter series. Vaughan, 45, was on a vacation with her husband and two children when the motorboat they had rented collided with a sailing ship that was hosting a wedding reception. Vaughan was thrown into the water and died from injuries caused by the propellers of the larger vessel.

The skipper of the motorboat, Elio Persico, 30, is now under investigation for manslaughter and causing a shipwreck. According to reports, Persico was drunk, high on cocaine, and distracted by his phone at the time of the crash. He also made a reckless maneuver after the collision that worsened the situation. Persico suffered cracked ribs and pelvic injuries and remains hospitalized in Salerno.

In this article, we will explore who is Elio Persico, what happened on that fateful day, and what are the legal consequences he may face.

About Elio Persico: The Skipper with a Troubled Past

Elio Persico is a professional skipper who has been working for more than 10 years in the maritime sector. He is from Sorrento, a town near Naples that is famous for its scenic views and lemon groves. He has a license to pilot motorboats up to 24 meters long and has experience in sailing, fishing, and tourism.

According to his lawyer, Liberato Mazzola, Persico is “shocked” by the tragedy and has cooperated with the authorities to reconstruct the facts. Mazzola also said that Persico is a “responsible” and “skilled” skipper who has never had any problems with his clients or colleagues.

However, some witnesses and evidence have contradicted this image of Persico. According to Mike White, Vaughan’s husband, Persico was “always on the phone” during the trip and did not pay attention to the surroundings. Prosecutors are seeking Persico’s phone records to verify this claim.

Moreover, toxicology tests revealed that Persico had consumed alcohol and cocaine before the accident. However, prosecutors have appointed a consultant to determine how these substances may have affected Persico’s ability to pilot the boat.

The Tragic Incident

On August 4, around 6 p.m., Persico was piloting a 20-foot motorboat that carried Vaughan, her husband, and their two children, Leanna, 14, and Mason, 11. They had rented the boat from a local company for a sightseeing tour along the Amalfi Coast.

At the same time, a 130-foot sailing ship named Tortuga was cruising in the same area with 80 guests on board. The guests were mostly Americans and Germans who were celebrating a wedding. The Tortuga was chartered by another local company that specializes in organizing events on board.

According to the captain of the Tortuga, Francesco Di Maio, his ship was stationary near the Furore fjord when he saw the motorboat approaching at high speed. He said he tried to warn Persico with sound signals but he did not respond. He also said he could not move his ship because it was anchored.

The motorboat then turned suddenly as it was passing by the Tortuga but failed to avoid hitting its hull. The impact was so strong that it damaged both vessels and launched Vaughan into the water. She was sunning herself on the bow of the motorboat when she was thrown off.

The Aftermath

Two doctors who were among the guests on the Tortuga dived into the sea to help Vaughan, while another nearby vessel took her to shore. She was treated at Amalfi port and then at Castiglione emergency room but she died before she could be airlifted to Salerno because a helicopter ambulance arrived too late.

White also suffered injuries in the crash and underwent surgery on his collarbone at another hospital. The couple’s children were not physically harmed but treated for shock. They were placed in the care of one of their grandfathers who traveled from the US to pick them up.

Persico also sustained injuries in the crash and was taken to Salerno hospital where he was questioned by prosecutors. He reportedly admitted that he had drunk some beer and taken some cocaine before piloting the boat but denied being distracted by his phone or making any mistakes.

However, a video recorded by one of the guests on the Tortuga showed that after hitting its hull, Persico made another dangerous maneuver that put him in front of its bow. This could have caused another collision or injured more people in the water.

Salerno Port Authority has seized both boats until further investigation.

The Investigation: What Went Wrong and Who is Responsible

Persico is currently under investigation for manslaughter and causing a shipwreck, which are serious crimes under Italian law. He could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter and up to 12 years if convicted of causing a shipwreck.

He could also face civil lawsuits from Vaughan’s family and the owners of the damaged boats. The damages could amount to millions of euros.

Persico’s lawyer has said that he will contest the charges and the evidence against his client. He has also criticized the statements made by the captain of the Tortuga, saying they are “inappropriate” and “influencing” the investigation.

The prosecutor of Salerno, Giuseppe Borrelli, has said that he will wait for the results of the autopsy, the technical analysis of the boats, and the phone records before making any decisions. He has also said that he will respect the privacy and grief of Vaughan’s family.

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Conclusion

The boat accident that killed Adrienne Vaughan, a prominent figure in the publishing world, has shocked and saddened many people around the world. It has also raised questions about the safety and responsibility of maritime tourism in Italy.

The skipper of the motorboat, Elio Persico, is facing serious charges and accusations for his role in the tragedy. He claims to be innocent and cooperative but his behavior and actions have been challenged by witnesses and evidence.

The investigation is still ongoing and more details may emerge in the coming days. The truth may not be easy to find or accept but it is necessary to honor Vaughan’s memory and to prevent similar accidents from happening again.

Summary

• Adrienne Vaughan was killed in a boat accident off the Amalfi Coast on August 4, 2023.
• She was on vacation with her husband and two children when their rented motorboat collided with a sailing ship that was hosting a wedding reception.
• She was thrown into the water and died from injuries caused by the propellers of the larger vessel.
• The skipper of the motorboat, Elio Persico, was drunk, high on cocaine, and distracted by his phone at the time of the crash.
• He also made a reckless maneuver after the collision that worsened the situation.
• Elio Persico is under investigation for manslaughter and causing a shipwreck.
• He could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
• Elio Persico denies being guilty and claims to be cooperative.
• The investigation is still ongoing and more details may emerge in the coming days.

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