Conflicting statements continue in deadly ferry crash

Nine days after a tri-engine powerboat plowed into the stern of the slow-moving Clearwater Ferry, killing one passenger and injuring eight others, the chief investigative agency is keeping mum.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which investigates accidents on the water, has not spoken publicly since a press briefing April 29.

“As this is still an active investigation, we do not have any additional details to share at this time,” an FWC spokesperson told the Catalyst Tuesday.

No charges have been filed in the April 27 incident on Clearwater Bay. A 37-foot, center console boat operated by Jeffry Knight, 62, struck the 40-foot ferry at approximately 8:40 p.m. The incident was captured on video from a stationary camera at a nearby park.

Ferry passenger Jose “Pepe” Castro, 41, was killed.

Husband-and-wife passengers Marcos Pacheco and Brenda Alvarez released a statement Monday through their attorney Scot Stanhope. They were taking the ferry with their two young children, returning from a trip to Clearwater Beach for the annual Sugar Sand Festival.

“We teach our children, if someone in our family does something wrong, they must own their mistake and accept responsibility for their actions,” the couple’s statement read. “Jeffry Knight clearly does not abide by this type of responsibility. He will say anything to avoid taking responsibility for the injuries he has caused.

“Our family is injured and dealing with the trauma. The scars we are left with may never go away, but rather than saying sorry, Jeffry Knight blamed us and the other victims for this crash. In his view, we’re at fault for looking at dolphins but he couldn’t see a massive ferry. We demand that law enforcement hold Jeffry Knight responsible for his actions and the suffering he caused.”

The 40-foot Maddie’s Crossing was the oldest vessel in the Clearwater Ferry’s fleet. Photo: Clearwater Ferry.

Dennis Kimerer, who was at the wheel of the ferry, Maddie’s Crossing, issued a statement Tuesday: “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,” he said.

Kimerer, a veteran captain who holds a 50 Ton Master Captain Self Propelled Certification, continued with a reference to passenger Castro. “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.”

Although Knight’s vessel remained on the scene until first responders arrived, about eight minutes later, it motored off for a boat ramp three miles to the south. Marine police caught up with it just before it docked.

Knight said one of his passengers called 911, and he stayed to render aid but ultimately departed because his boat was taking on water.

Although investigators are keeping mum, Knight’s attorney, J. Kevin Hayslett, has sent several letters to FWC (and the media) explaining what he says were his client’s actions.

Through his lawyer, Knight insists that the ferry had no lights on its stern, and that the captain, crew and passengers were distracted by dolphins in the water.

Knight Global Entertainment, LLC, has been the registered owner of Jannus Live, the downtown St. Petersburg live music venue, since 2010. Knight is also the owner of Knight Enterprises, a telecommunications contractor.

Knight, who passed a Breathalyzer test at the scene, has a history of  boat-related accidents. In 2012, a passenger on Knight’s yacht, attempting to step onto a dock at 6 a.m., after a night of partying, hit his head and drowned. Knight was not charged.

In 2017, he was cited for careless operation of a vessel, and for allowing a person under 14 years old to operate a boat. 

Records also show that Knight has three DUI arrests.

Jose Castro was buried Saturday in Clearwater.

More Catalyst coverage:

Boat passengers: Clearwater Ferry had no stern lights

Jannus Live, Jeffry Knight sever ties

More questions than answers in deadly ferry collision

Victim, boat operator’s names released in fatal Clearwater accident