San Diego

An investigation has determined that Thomas Corona’s death by drowning was the result of an unstable boat, and no criminal charges will be brought, the district attorney’s office said Friday. Corona, 64, drowned when his fishing boat capsized Sept. 11 in San Diego Bay after it had been swamped by the wake of a larger boat that was allegedly speeding. Deputy Dist. Atty. F. Robert Hammes said there is no evidence that the second boat, the Lei Seas, was traveling at high speed.

Although a wake was created, it was the inherent “instability” caused by an improperly mounted 3 1/3-ton net on Corona’s boat that led to his death, according to the report.

The report also said conflicting statements from Benito Storniolo, who survived the capsizing, hindered any possible prosecution.

“It is the conclusion of the investigation that there is absolutely nothing about this tragic incident that warrants any further action,” Hammes stated in his report.