Clearwater Ferry Passengers Dispute Claims About Deadly Boat Crash

Passengers Dispute Attorney's Statements

• 💬 Lawyers for passengers on the Clearwater Ferry are disputing claims made by the attorney of Jeffry Knight, the operator of the boat that struck them.
• ⚖️ The statement issued by the passengers' legal team counters three specific claims made by Knight's attorneys.

Disputed Claims and Counterarguments

• 🚗 Regarding Knight fleeing the scene, his attorneys stated he left only after police arrived due to his boat taking on water. Passenger lawyers argue that the reason or timing of his departure is irrelevant; the undisputed fact is that he drove away.
• 🐬 Knight's attorneys claimed the ferry crew and passengers were distracted by dolphins. Passenger lawyers counter that if they could see dolphins, Knight should have seen the massive ferry directly in front of him, accusing him of not paying attention.
• 💡 The third point counters the claim that the ferry was not properly lit and Knight acted lawfully. Passenger attorneys assert that Knight's actions were irresponsible and unlawful, and that his failure to follow nautical rules caused the collision.

The Collision and Aftermath

• 💥 The crash, which occurred near the Memorial Causeway Bridge, injured 10 people and resulted in the death of 41-year-old Joseé Castro.
• 💔 Joseé Castro, a husband and father of two young daughters, was laid to rest over the weekend, with his family calling for justice for his life.
• 🔍 Both the state attorney's office and the FWC are currently investigating the deadly crash, and no charges have been filed at this time.