Marshfield man says he was ‘little buzzed’ when friend fell overboard and drowned, police say

By Laura J. Nelson, Globe Correspondent and John R. Ellement, Globe Staff

PLYMOUTH -- A Marshfield man told authorities he drank 10 beers but was only a “little buzzed’’ when his best friend fell overboard and apparently drowned when their boat was about 1,000 feet off the Marshfield shore Saturday night.

Justin McDonald, 22, appeared in Plymouth District Court today where he pleaded not guilty to charges of operating a boat under the influence of alcohol before District Court Judge John Julian, who rejected a request by Plymouth prosecutors to set bail at $50,000 cash.

Plymouth Assistant District Attorney Douglas Humphrey said in court that when McDonald was arrested by Marshfield police Saturday he showed “no remorse and very little concern” for the missing man who was identified today as Steven Z. Woods, also of Marshfield.

Humphrey said in court that police found an empty 18 pack of Coors beer in the boat, two coolers -- one full of empty beer cans -- and an open can of malt liquor by the steering wheel. The key was in the ignition, the throttle was in the “full speed position.’’ When authorities arrived on the scene, McDonald’s captain-less boat was making large circles in the harbor. Officials said that by the time they boarding the boat, the engine had stopped.

In court, Humphrey said McDonald told police he had 10 beers, and was “a little buzzed, but pretty good -- not drunk” when questioned by police.

According to a Marshfield police report filed in court, McDonald and Woods were the only people on the 20-foot pleasure craft when the incident took place.

McDonald stated “that as he was driving his father’s boat back to Marshfield, the steering wheel of the boat pulled uncontrollably to the left, throwing both he and Woods from the boat,’’ according to the report.

McDonald said that once in the water, he saw both Woods and McDonald’s backpack floating near the now-pilotless boat. McDonald said he “called out’’ to Woods before he went under the water for about a minute.

“When he came up, Woods was no longer in sight,’’ McDonald told police.

McDonald told police he tried to get back on board his father’s boat, but the engine was still running and the boat was circling aimlessly. He feared getting hurt if he got too close to the propeller.

McDonald told police he did not think he could swim to shore, so he floated on his back while calling for help. A passing kayaker heard McDonald and got him to shore.

McDonald told police that he, Woods and two women left from Marshfield around 2 p.m. and boated out to a sandy area off the coast of Scituate’s Fourth Cliff area. There, they joined up with friends and spent the day drinking and eating. McDonald told police he had a sub sandwich during that time.

McDonald said he did not know if Woods was drinking alcohol during the day.

He said the two women went home with other friends.

In court, McDonald’s defense attorney, Gregory Sullivan, said Woods was his client’s best friend. Sullivan also told the judge that McDonald had a steady job, has graduated from high school and would appear for future court dates.

During the arraignment, McDonald, who lives on Jersey Street in Marshfield, appeared in court with his father and stood with his brow knit, biting his lip.

A joint search by Marshfield authorities, State Police and the US Coast Guard lasted into Sunday morning without any sign of Woods.

The Marshfield incident was one of several marine accidents over the weekend that kept public safety agencies busy.

One boater died in Boston Harbor when his 27-foot speedboat capsized and broke up off Boston Light Saturday evening, seriously injuring his companion, authorities said.

A strong wave or wake from another vessel flipped the boat as it sped through the Harbor about 6:15 p.m., authorities said.

John R. Ellement can be reached at ellement@globe.com.