Clearwater Ferry Collision Investigation Continues
CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — While questions remain in the fatal Clearwater Ferry crash, details on the victims are emerging.
Monday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed José Castro, 41, of Palm Harbor died in the crash.
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Ten others were seriously injured — including Steven Whitehurst, who detailed the moment of impact.
“I just looked at the corner of my eye, and I saw the hull of a boat right cruising over my head. So I dove, and my leg got pinned,” Whitehurst said.
Whitehurst suffered a severe laceration to his leg but is recovering. The suspected boat involved in the crash was located roughly 3.5 miles away at the Bellair boat ramp. The FWC said the operator of that boat is cooperating with the investigation and, as of now, has not been charged.
Criminal defense attorney Michelle Suskauer said several factors come into play to determine the cause of a crash and what charges to file, if any.
“There are times after an investigation that, at the time, somebody is placed into custody, or there is a longer investigation for law enforcement to do their due diligence to make sure that they’re getting it right,” Suskauer said.
Photos of José Castro, the man killed in the Clearwater Ferry boat crash, and his family (Photos provided by Kenny Rodriguez via WFLA Report It)
Experts said a safe speed in the water is a major indicator of avoiding a collision.
“There’s a safe speed rule in the rules of the road, and that says that a vessel is traveling at a safe speed when it can either maneuver or stop in order to prevent a collision,” Captain Frank Morton said.
There was a total of 45 people on board that ferry at the time of the incident. Whitehurst, now home, said he is taking the time to be with family and reflect on his harrowing experience.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has taken over the investigation.
