The skipper of a salmon troller that ran aground two weeks ago is facing a single misdemeanor charge of reckless endangerment in Sitka court.
Charges of boating under the influence are pending in a separate investigation with the Coast Guard
William Walder put the 42-foot Yankee on the rocks near Error Island in Sitka’s Eastern Channel on June 6. The incident was reported to authorities via text by a female passenger.
Police dispatch reports at the time stated that Walder was belligerent and possibly intoxicated. According to Chief Warrant Officer John Grez, with the Marine Safety Detachment, Warden is the subject of an ongoing Coast Guard investigation separate from the local police investigation.
Walder was arraigned in Sitka on June 12. He pled not guilty to the charge, and was released on a $750 appearance bond. His next hearing is scheduled for 1:15 PM Tuesday, June 19.
According to police records, Walder’s passenger told police that he was knocked out after the Yankee ran aground. Walder later told officers that he was cutting halibut cheeks when the vessel struck.
