An Italian court has handed down a prison sentence of four years and nine months to a speedboat captain who, while intoxicated and under the influence of cocaine, collided with a larger vessel off Italy’s southern coast last summer. The violent crash claimed the life of a US publishing executive travelling with her family, and triggered an investigation into negligence, substance abuse and marine safety standards.
Subhead: The Tragedy — A Family Vacation Turns Deadly
During a holiday in August 2023, the captain — 32-year-old Italian national Elio Perisco — piloted a high-speed vessel alongside the Amalfi Coast with several passengers, including 45-year-old American books executive Adrienne Vaughan. Vaughan was relaxing at the bow when Perisco’s craft suddenly veered and struck a much larger ship. She was ejected into the water and fatally hit by the boat’s propeller. Her daughter, also aboard, escaped injury. Meanwhile Perisco suffered injuries to his ribs and pelvis.
Eyewitnesses aboard the larger vessel described hearing a tremendous impact and seeing the speedboat’s hull swing violently: “The vessel was going straight… then suddenly it turned 180 degrees: there was a collision, and I heard a very loud bang,” said one bartender on board.
Subhead: Intoxication, Negligence and Legal Consequences
Post-crash investigations revealed Perisco had both alcohol and cocaine in his system at the time of the collision, though the precise levels were not published. The presiding court found him guilty of involuntary manslaughter and negligent injury, ruling the crash a direct result of reckless conduct behind the helm.
In handing down the prison term, Italian authorities cited the captain’s extreme disregard for boating laws and passenger safety. Vaughan’s husband, who was aboard the speedboat and sustained a broken collarbone, later stated the captain “was always on the phone,” indicating possible distracted operation.
Subhead: Larger Implications for Boating Safety
This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in operating fast-moving watercraft under the influence or when distracted. It underscores that vacation water trips carry the same duty of care as any vehicle on land — especially when alcohol or other impairing substances are involved. Operators, charter companies and passengers alike must respect regulations, maintain vigilance and prioritise safety.
