Family mourns Palm Harbor man killed in Clearwater ferry crash, seeking justice following the tragic incident.

A tragic incident occurred on Sunday when Jose Castro, a 41-year-old U.S. Postal Service worker, lost his life in a maritime collision involving a Clearwater ferry. Castro was one of the ferry’s 45 passengers, and his death was the sole fatality resulting from the incident. The collision took place when another vessel, operated by local businessman Jeff Knight, struck the ferry from behind.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, nearly a dozen individuals sustained injuries in the crash, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event. Knight, who piloted a 37-foot center console boat, gave consent for a Breathalyzer test, which revealed no traces of alcohol in his system. However, no arrests have been made subsequent to the crash, leading to confusion and distress among Castro’s family, who are seeking accountability.

Castro, originally from Peru, had worked with the U.S. Postal Service for approximately four years and was known to take pleasure in ferry rides as a way to relax following his long shifts. His family emphasizes the deep bond he had with his two daughters, aged 8 and 3. The sudden loss has left them heartbroken, especially since they had to inform his children about his passing. The impact on his daughters, particularly the eldest, who is struggling to grapple with the reality of her father’s absence, has been profound.

As the investigation unfolds, details of the collision’s aftermath are coming to light. Videos recorded by city web cameras captured the sequence of events, showing Knight’s boat striking the ferry and subsequently distancing itself from the scene. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the cruise ship Pirate’s Ransom arrived shortly after the crash and offered assistance, ensuring some passengers managed to reach a nearby sandbar safely.

Knight’s potential culpability is under scrutiny as investigators gather evidence, including witness statements and video footage. Meanwhile, Castro’s family expressed frustration and anger over the lack of immediate arrests, questioning the circumstances that have shielded Knight from immediate consequences.

The broader implications of road safety on the waterway are being raised, as Castro’s family seeks justice, and community members call for greater accountability to prevent future tragedies. In conjunction with their grief, Castro’s family has established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and the care of his daughters, highlighting the urgent need for support following this unexpected loss.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the responsibilities that come with operating vessels on public waterways, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation and community engagement in the quest for accountability.