‘A horrible experience': Attorney for Clearwater Ferry crash survivors weighs in on case
A recreational boat, driven by Jeff Knight, slammed into the back of the Clearwater Ferry near the Memorial Causeway Bridge on April 27, killing José Castro and injuring 10 others.
Several victims in Clearwater Ferry crash hire Morgan & Morgan to 'uncover any negligence'
No charges have been filed in connection with the ferry crash.
'From the sworn witness statements already in your possession, as well as from the video evidence, there is consistent and credible evidence that no stern light was visible at the time of the incident,' Knight's attorney J. Kevin Hayslett wrote in a letter to investigators.
Meanwhile, an attorney representing two survivors spoke to News Channel 8 about the case.
'They are a family who was on this cruise just out to enjoy the community on the beautiful bay and went through a horrible experience,' said attorney Mickey Keenan. 'The thing that came out that really incited my clients was that the blame appeared 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.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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