'A horrible experience': Attorney for Clearwater Ferry crash survivors weighs in on case
Share this @internewscast.com

CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — An attorney representing two survivors in the deadly Clearwater Ferry crash is weighing in on the case.

On April 27, a tragedy occurred when a recreational boat operated by Jeff Knight collided with the Clearwater Ferry near the Memorial Causeway Bridge. The accident resulted in the death of José Castro and left 10 others with injuries.

No charges have been filed in connection with the ferry crash.

In correspondence to the investigators, Knight’s attorney, J. Kevin Hayslett, stated that based on sworn witness testimonies and video evidence, there is substantial and reliable proof indicating that no stern light was visible at the time of the crash.

Meanwhile, an attorney representing two survivors spoke to News Channel 8 about the case.

Attorney Mickey Keenan commented on behalf of the victims, stating, “This was a family simply enjoying an outing on the picturesque bay when they faced a terrible ordeal.” He further expressed frustration, saying, “What greatly upset my clients was the indication that the responsibility for the incident seemed to be shifted.”

Last week, passengers onboard the private boat that slammed into the ferry wrote sworn letters to investigators detailing what they experienced that night.

Three women described what led up to the crash and its aftermath in their written statements. The women reported having alcoholic drinks at dinner before getting on the boat, but said Knight did not have any. They insisted no one used drugs before or after dinner.

One woman described the area as being “really dark” and the crash as “out of nowhere.”

However, Keenan said there are additional factors to consider.

“There’s many factors that go into the crash and we’ll wait until the investigation is completed so they can make their determination on that,” Keenan said.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking anyone with video footage from the area of the fatal ferry crash to contact the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

Ferry Captain Dennis Kimerer provided the following statement:

“I consider myself fortunate to be alive and deeply thankful to the heroic passengers, first

responders, good Samaritans, and medical professionals whose quick actions saved lives during and after the collision.

My thoughts are with all those who were injured—and especially with the family mourning the loss of a beloved father. Out of respect for them and everyone affected, I will not be engaging in a public back-and-forth regarding the causes of this tragedy. I trust the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and other authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, and I will continue to cooperate fully with them.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Florida House Unanimously Passes Landmark Bill to Combat Child Flashing: What You Need to Know

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A significant new legislative measure has gained unanimous approval…

Breaking News: Federal Jury Convicts Sean Williams in High-Stakes NC Drug Trafficking Case

In Asheville, North Carolina, a federal jury swiftly reached a verdict in…

Texas Voter Chaos: Primary Rule Changes Spark Confusion and Rejections in Two Counties

On Tuesday, voters in two of Texas’s largest counties faced significant hurdles…

Middle East Flights Disrupted: Essential Travel Updates Amid Iran Conflict

NEW YORK – The collaborative military efforts of the U.S. and Israel…

James H. Quillen VA Medical Center Unveils Plans for Infrastructure Enhancements

In a significant development for veterans’ healthcare, the James H. Quillen VA…

Search Continues for 26 Missing Doctors Without Borders Staff in South Sudan Following Recent Attacks

NAIROBI – A distressing situation unfolds as over 25 members of Doctors…

New Mexico Legal Battle Shines Light on Video Testimonies from Meta’s Top Brass

SANTA FE, N.M. – In a significant legal development, prosecutors in New…

Meet Erica Gardner: Transforming Education at D-B Excel High School – An Inspiring Educator’s Journey

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Erica Gardner, a dedicated math instructor at D-B…

Iranian Attacks on Amazon Data Centers Expose Critical Flaws in Tech Industry’s Disaster Readiness

LONDON – Recent Iranian drone strikes have inflicted damage on three Amazon…

Economics Expert Analyzes Local Impact of US-Iran Tensions as Gas Prices Surge

As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate into their fourth…