A Crimean sea captain was indicted Monday after a Russian senator was killed during a summer swim in the Black Sea last week.
Investigators allege that Alexei Dudka, 33, had been shuttling tourists along the Black Sea coast near the Crimean city of Alushta on Friday when his speedboat crashed into a swimmer, killing him, according to a statement issued by the Crimean division of Russia's Investigative Committee.
The swimmer was later revealed to be 70-year Russian Senator Vladimir Kulakov, who had been vacationing in the newly annexed Russian region of Crimea.
If convicted of having violated water-traffic safety regulations, Dudka could face up to five years in prison.
Dudka's employer will also be probed for compliance with water safety regulations, according to the Investigative Committee.
Kulakov, a former colonel general, will be laid to rest at the Federal Military Memorial Cemetery in the Moscow region on Tuesday, the Federation Council said.
See also:
Russia to Offer One-Hour Passport Service to Crimea Residents
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
