Verdict on boating accident is “unusual”

On Friday, a verdict was reached in the Præstø case – a case unprecedented in the Danish judicial system. Lundby Continuation School and its principal, Truels Truelsen, were found guilty of causing bodily harm through negligence in connection with the boating accident on Præstø Fjord two years ago.

Such a ruling is unprecedented in a Danish court and it may prove detrimental to the teaching and leisure activities offered at other continuation schools, according to Mogens Lorenzen, chair of Frie Skolers Ledere(an association of free school principals).

“This verdict may lead to schools abandoning various student activities, and we don’t consider that a very positive development,” Lorenzen told dr.dk.

He serves as representative for the principals of Danish free primary schools and continuation schools.

A message from the court

Lundby Continuation School was fined DKK 250,000 for its role in the capsizing accident, while Principal Truels Truelsen was sentenced to a 60-day suspended prison term as well as suspension of teaching privileges at sea.

“With this sentence, the court is sending out a very clear message because we’ve never before seen an employee charged and convicted in a case like this. Institutions have been charged, but never individuals,” said Lorenzen, emphasising that his heart goes out to the students involved in the accident and their parents, and that he understands their relief at Friday’s ruling.

“I understand completely that both the victims and the public want to place blame for the accident.”

Several of the 13 students involved in the accident have suffered brain damage or other permanent injuries as a result. Seven of the students were clinically dead when they were pulled out of the ice-cold water, but were all subsequently revived. The 44-year-old teacher Michael Jørgensen lost his life in the tragedy.

Excess control

Lorenzen does not wish to comment on his own opinion of the verdict or possible appeal, but states that the court’s decision was highly unusual and could ultimately cause some schools to implement an excess of control.

“Hopefully, the schools won’t feel hesitant to try new activities in future. You can’t just send students into the cellar because it would be safest. That wouldn’t make for a good learning environment,” said Lorenzen.