Overview
- Cédric Mano, supported by MP Sophie Panonacle, has opened a Change.org petition seeking creation of a specific maritime homicide offense and tougher sanctions for boating under the influence.
- The push asks for accelerated parliamentary consideration before summer to amend the transport code and align sea navigation penalties with road traffic rules.
- Proposals include criminalizing navigation under alcohol or drugs, allowing retention of vessels, suspending nautical permits for excessive speed or dangerous maneuvers, and imposing harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
- TF1 Info reports the government pledged two near-term decrees elevating dangerous navigation under alcohol and excessive speed to fourth-class contraventions, with an order planned to give gendarmes access to maritime and pleasure-craft license databases.
- The petition follows the May 21, 2025 death of 8-year-old Benjamin Mano in Arcachon; the 30-year-old fisherman at the helm tested positive for cannabis and cocaine, admitted speeding in the 300-meter zone, was placed under formal investigation and pretrial detention, and faces up to five years in prison and a €75,000 fine.