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Victim, boat operator’s names released in fatal Clearwater accident
The victim of Sunday night’s fatal hit-and-run boat crash in Clearwater Bay has been identified as Jose Castro, 41, of Palm Harbor. Additional details are emerging in about the incident, in which a 37-foot pleasure boat with six persons aboard struck the 40-foot Clearwater Ferry, which transports passengers to and from the mainland and the beaches.
The operator of the recreational vehicle has been identified as Jeffry Knight. He is the longtime owner of the Jannus Live outdoor concert venue in downtown St. Petersburg.
The multi-agency investigation into the incident is ongoing. Monday afternoon, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission captain Matthew Dallarosa said the victim was one of 45 persons aboard the ferry. At least 10 were injured in what Clearwater Emergency Medical System chief Tony Tedesco called a “Level One Mass Casualty.”
Clearwater Police and Clearwater Fire & Rescue responded to a 911 call at 8:43 p.m. The United States Coast Guard received a maritime distress call from the ferry crew: “Mayday, mayday, mayday! There’s been a boat collision. The Clearwater ferry, underneath the Clearwater Memorial Causeway. The Clearwater ferry is adrift.”
“All of a sudden, we heard the first mate yelling ‘Hey! Hey! Hey!’” a ferry passenger told CNN. “We looked back behind us, and this big yacht just came through the boat.”
The ferry came to rest in shallow water. Several passengers were able to get out and walk to shore; some were aided by good Samaritans. Injuries included broken bones, along with head and soft tissue injuries. All victims were triaged at the Seminole Boat Ramp. Two people were airlifted to area hospitals. Eight others were transported by vehicle.
Screengrab from a City of Clearwater video, showing the moment before impact.
A dimly-lit video from a nearby city park shows the ferry moving slowly, eastward in the channel under the Memorial Causeway bridge, and overtaken by a recreational boat – identified as a blue-and-white center console model – operated at a much higher rate of speed. Both vessels’ running lights are visible. The smaller craft strikes the ferry’s stern, on its starboard side, and its bow is seen rising almost vertically in the air, over the ferry.
The brief video ends with the recreational vessel backing up and separating from the ferry. It’s not clear what happened next, although officials say the smaller boat left the scene within minutes and came ashore at the Belleair Boat Ramp, more than three miles away.
Knight submitted to a Breathalyzer test, authorities said; the presence of alcohol was not detected.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Coast Guard are also taking part in the investigation.
The Clearwater Ferry is operated by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. Service began in 2015.
This is a developing story.
Lki
May 1, 2025at11:22 pm
Not only is this a horrific and tearful tragedy…. but the mere fact the owner of the boat to not be arrested and held without bail for leaving the scene of an accident with not only injuries but a fatality.. I am speechless. He sure went home to call his attorney, which is clearly a silent admission of responsibility, right?
Now I get why Jannus Live posted a “heartfelt” release the other day… everyone should boycott the events at Jannus Live due to the deliberate, irresponsible and heinous actions of its owner.
Again, he should be in jail… period. Do not support such a derelict criminal.
“If”… there was no drugs or alcohol involved, then why leave… why not do everything you can to help those who were clearly hurt??? There is so much wrong with this story… and even if someone else was driving the boat, the owner is responsible for the safety of his guests. Why were they driving so fast in the dark… lights or no lights?? Anyone who has a boat knows NOT to drive fast in the dark. Again, totally irresponsible.
Arrest him!!!!!!!!!
Jennie Renfrow
April 29, 2025at4:34 pm
Test /search for other drugs??? Regardless, this guy needs to take full responsibility and serve a long sentence.
RJ
April 29, 2025at11:32 am
Billionaire with his lawyer in speed dial and severe corruption going on. No blood test (he is knownto like his cocaine), barely interviewed the suspect. He was on the run to his house ithat is on the water in Largo, just past the Belleair bridge. Thank goodness his boat was taking in water, otherwise we would never know who did this. That is excuse to leave, however the sandbar is where the accident happened.
Nicky
April 29, 2025at9:07 am
While it’s stated that the supposed driver of the 37ft cc was given a breath test, what about the 6 passengers?
Ted. DeWells
April 28, 2025at11:36 pm
Knight had previous boating incident years ago docked at Vinoy Yacht basin .Fatality involved when a guest fell and drowned off his party yacht. No “charges” filed then.
Bevalinda
April 28, 2025at11:03 pm
Oh, that was just an elite. They elites think that they can commit crimes and just drive away and carry on their normal life. It’s kind of getting common around here. we try to stop them. I’d say this is not correct, then they come with their hoards of lawyers to tell us different
Rich Schinkel
April 28, 2025at9:06 pm
Looks like the boat creating the accident had no running lights on
Lisa Howard
April 28, 2025at7:56 pm
This is bullshit. Corrupt Florida.
Backed up and took off.
Kathy Hathaway
April 28, 2025at7:46 pm
That’s what I’m wondering was someone else driving they had time to switch
LSJones
April 28, 2025at7:07 pm
Who was really driving the boat? Hopefully that comes out
Lisa Asn
April 28, 2025at6:46 pm
I call BS..by the time the alleged driver was beath tested, enough time had passed or actual driver left the area. For an incident of this impact, a blood test should have been drawn immediately upon supposition of drivers idendity. Just my opinion. I am not a LEO or lawyer.
Lynne
April 28, 2025at5:58 pm
That’s what I thought. Had 3 miles to travel and get their stories straight!
Hugh Hazeltine
April 28, 2025at5:19 pm
Failure to maintain a look out.
Failure to render aid in an accident.
Even though Florida does not require a pleasure boat license the captain of the overtaking vessel was responsible for the six passengers on his boat. It goes without saying, he is now responsible for the 45 persons on the ferry.
KG
April 28, 2025at4:03 pm
Was the person given the breathalyzer test actually operating the boat? Why did the offending vessel not stop and render assistance instead of fleeing the scene? Lot of discrepancies here.