Lawyer for ferry operator in Clearwater crash asserts no escape, as victim's kin clamor for clarification.
Revamped Article:
investigates the ongoing collision between a recreational boat and a ferry in sunny Clearwater, Florida. On April 28, this tragic incident happened, claiming one life and injuring several others. At first, it appeared as a hit-and-run case; however, investigations have since shown that the boat driver, Jeff Knight, stayed at the scene momentarily before leaving. Mr. Knight has been cooperative with the authorities, and no signs of alcohol were detected in his system during the crash[1][2][3].
As for Mr. Knight's actions, initial speculation suggested he abandoned the scene, but it is now established that he stayed for a brief period before deciding to depart. The reason for his departure? To keep his boat from taking on excess water, seeing as it was taking on water and had an infant on board[2][3].
The popular sand and sculpting competition ferry service in Clearwater is currently on hold due to the accident[3]. Probes are underway, scrutinizing various aspects, such as whether the ferry's lights were adequate and requesting additional data like GPS and AIS tracking information[2].
The family of the deceased, Jose Castro, a devoted father and postal worker, seeks answers and justice. "It's just not fair," said his sister, Sandy Todd, during an interview with local media outlet WFTS. "We don't know how to handle this tragedy"[4]. The Castro family expressed their frustration owing to the lack of charges thus far[4].
A GoFundMe page has been established to raise funds for Mr. Castro's funeral and to bring his family from Peru[4]. Moreover, the identities of the ten injured individuals have yet to be disclosed by the officials[4].
Interestingly, Mr. Knight has previously dealt with legal issues from an incident related to a vessel he operated[5]. In 2019, four plaintiffs alleged they were injured following a collision with a boat operated by Mr. Knight in Florida's Pinellas County[5]. The claims asserted negligence on the part of Knight in handling his vessel[5]. However, these cases were later settled[5]. Furthermore, Knight faced charges of careless vessel operation and violation of navigation rules, but they were dismissed in 2020[5]. We reached out to Knight's attorney regarding the 2019 case, but as of now, have yet to receive a response[5].
Contributions by CNN's Martin Goillandeau and Alex Stambaugh.
Footnotes:[1] Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) press release. (April 28, 2023).[2] Clearwater Police Department press release. (April 28, 2023).[3] Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Investigation into Clearwater Boat Collision with Ferry Continuing. (April 30, 2023).[4] WFTS News, Castro family deals with grief, frustration after wife loses husband in boat crash. (May 01, 2023).[5] Pinellas County Court Records (Accessed May 03, 2023).
- Despite the established cooperation of Jeff Knight, the general-news outlets continue to scrutinize his past, including allegations of car-accidents and a boat-collision in Florida's Pinellas County in 2019.
- The ongoing investigation into the boat-crashing incident between a recreational boat and a ferry in Clearwater, Florida, has also delved into investigating the adequacy of the ferry's lights, as well as asking for GPS and AIS tracking information.
- As the sports-betting season begins, the tragic boat-accidents in Clearwater have overshadowed local sports news, with the popular sand and sculpting competition ferry service already on hold.
- The family of Jose Castro, who lost his life in the boat-crashing incident, has expressed their frustration with the lack of charges made thus far and their deep desire for crime-and-justice.
- While the identities of the ten injured individuals remain undisclosed by the officials, a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for Mr. Castro's funeral and to bring his family from Peru.
