Helmsman sentenced in fatal Tróia shipwreck

The Setúbal Court has sentenced Manuel Coelho to a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence, suspended for five years, for four counts of gross negligent homicide. The ruling follows a shipwreck involving the vessel Lingrinhas off the coast of Tróia in April 2024.

The court described Coelho’s actions as “temerarious” and characterized by an “excess of confidence,” noting that he violated fundamental duties of caution and precaution despite his years of experience. The incident occurred in a dangerous area known as Cambalhão during spring tides, where waves reached approximately 3 meters. The judge noted that the defendant ignored weather forecasts advising against navigation in the area.

The shipwreck resulted in the deaths of Ricardo Neves, his 11-year-old son Francisco Neves, and cousins Gabriel and José Caeiro. Coelho was ordered to pay indemnities to the victims' families exceeding 300,000 euros, though a portion of this is covered by the vessel's insurance.

Defense attorney João Santos argued the sentence was heavy, suggesting the accident was caused by unpredictable natural elements. The defense is currently reviewing the ruling to determine whether to appeal.