THE father of a toddler killed by an out-of-control speedboat has heard reports the two owners of the boating firm have been charged with manslaughter through negligence.

News Shopper reported on Monday how boat driver James Bain, aged 29, appeared before magistrates in the Bahamian capital of Nassau, charged with the same offence.

Now the two owners of Bahamian boating firm Paradise Ocean Sports, Clifford Nottage and Evangeless Williamson, have reportedly appeared in court, according to 42-year-old Paul Gallagher.

His two-year-old son, also called Paul, died in August 2002 when the boat mounted the Bahamas beach he was sleeping on.

Mr Gallagher of Repton Road, Orpington, said: "I have heard reports the owners of the boat company have now been charged and have appeared in court.

"I am still waiting to have this officially confirmed by the Foreign Office."