Captain Faces Charges in Clearwater Ferry Crash, FWC Confirms

Details of the Fatal Boating Accident in Clearwater

A tragic boating accident that occurred in April has led to multiple legal actions against those involved. Investigators have confirmed that the captain of the ferry involved in the incident will face a misdemeanor charge, while the operator of the vessel that struck the ferry is facing serious felony charges.

The ferry, which was carrying 45 passengers, was hit by a 37-foot recreational boat operated by Jeffry Knight, a 62-year-old man. The collision happened as the ferry was returning from the Sugar Sand Festival, which had just concluded on Sunday. The recreational boat had six people on board at the time of the crash.

Legal Charges and Investigation Findings

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the ferry’s captain, Dennis Kimerer from Manatee County, has been charged with violating a navigation rule by failing to have a working stern light during the accident. Once the misdemeanor charge is filed with the state attorney’s office, Kimerer will receive a citation with a scheduled court date.

Knight, on the other hand, has been arrested and faces eight counts of felony charges related to leaving the scene of a boating accident that resulted in death or serious injury. Additional misdemeanor charges are expected, including failure to maintain a safe speed and not keeping a proper lookout, which contributed to the fatal accident.

The Incident and Aftermath

Following the collision, Knight reportedly left the scene and traveled south toward his home. He was eventually stopped by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office on the water. FWC Southwest Regional Commander Major Evan Laskowski stated that evidence, including 911 calls, showed a noticeable change in Knight’s behavior and an attempt to flee the scene.

City-owned cameras captured the moment of the collision, and first responders from various agencies rushed to the scene. Passengers and crew members sustained injuries and were taken to shore by other boats. Clearwater Police and Clearwater EMS reported that six individuals were critically injured, with four others suffering minor injuries. One passenger, 41-year-old Jose Castro of Palm Harbor, lost his life in the incident.

Emergency services, including the FWC, Clearwater Police Department, Clearwater Fire Department, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Coast Guard, responded quickly to assist those affected.

Defense and Company Response

Three days after the crash, Knight’s lawyer, J. Kevin Hayslett, claimed that his client did nothing illegal on the night of the accident. In a letter to investigators, Hayslett defended Knight’s actions, stating that he acted in full compliance with Florida law, provided assistance to the ferry and its passengers, was sober, and left the scene only after rescue efforts began.

“Allegations to the contrary are not grounded in fact or law and appear to be driven by misinformation,” Hayslett wrote.

In addition to the legal challenges, Knight stepped down from the day-to-day operations of Jannus Live, a concert venue he owns in St. Petersburg, as announced by the company on Wednesday.