Overview

• On May 21, a fisherman under the influence of narcotics struck an initiation dinghy in Arcachon, killing an eight-year-old boy.
• Investigators found the fisherman had three prior drug-related convictions and maintained his boat license despite earlier driving bans.
• The Bordeaux court of appeals freed him on June 17 under judicial control that bars him from operating boats or motor vehicles.
• The victim’s parents are demanding legal changes to prohibit pretrial release for serious repeat offenders and mandate revocation of all driving and boating permits.
• They cite other families’ campaigns and expect the Senate to debate the proposed maritime ‘homicide routier’ law next week.