Cushing Man Charged with Seaman’s Manslaughter

Contact: Halsey B. Frank
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257

Portland, Maine:  United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Christopher A. Hutchinson, 28, of Cushing, Maine was arrested today and charged by indictment in U.S. District Court with Seaman’s Manslaughter. 

According to court records, on November 1, 2014, the lobster boat, No Limits, sank off of the Maine coast resulting in the loss of two crew members.  Hutchinson was the owner and captain of the boat.  The indictment alleges that his negligent and unsafe operation of the boat in forecasted dangerous weather and sea conditions and after using controlled substances and alcohol caused the loss of life.

The defendant is scheduled to make an initial appearance today in U.S. District Court at 4:00 p.m. If convicted, he faces up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.