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Who’s Liable in a Boat Crash?
What the Clearwater Ferry Tragedy Reveals About Boating Laws in Florida
When the Pacheco family boarded the Clearwater Ferry on April 27 with their kids, they expected a peaceful ride home. Instead, they were thrown into a traumatic event that’s made headlines across the Bay Area—a high-speed collision that injured passengers and took one man’s life.
As attorneys representing passengers on that ferry, we’ve seen how much confusion, pain, and misinformation has followed this tragedy. And one of the questions we’ve heard again and again is:
How does liability work in a crash like this? Who’s truly responsible—and what does the law say?
Let’s walk through it together.
The Basics: What Florida Law Says About Boating Accidents
Florida law expects boat operators to follow specific safety rules—just like drivers on the road. That means:
- Keeping a proper lookout
- Traveling at a safe speed for the conditions
- Avoiding collisions when possible
- Staying at the scene and calling for help after an accident
When someone doesn’t follow these rules and others get hurt, that may be considered negligence—and they can be held responsible for the injuries and damage caused.
These aren’t just legal checkboxes. They’re rules designed to protect lives. When they’re ignored, people can get seriously hurt, or worse.
What We Know About the Clearwater Ferry Case
More than 40 people were on the ferry that night. Some were heading home from Clearwater Beach. Others were just enjoying an evening on the water. What happened next changed everything.
A recreational boat collided with the ferry. One passenger on the ferry lost his life. Several others, including children, were injured.
Some statements made after the crash have suggested the ferry was at fault, or that passengers were distracted. But our clients, including the Pacheco family, have shared a different perspective—one grounded in what they saw and experienced.
Attorney Scot Seplowe, who is leading their legal representation, shared this:
“Accountability matters. The families impacted by this crash deserve clarity, compassion, and a system that listens to their truth.”
If You’ve Been Hurt in a Boating Crash—What Are Your Rights?
If you or someone you love was injured in a boating accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost time from work
- Physical and emotional pain
- Long-term recovery costs
These claims can be complex, especially when the investigation is still unfolding. That’s why it’s important to have a legal team that understands both personal injury law and Florida’s boating regulations.
Why This Isn’t Just About One Crash
This incident has sparked bigger conversations about boating safety, public accountability, and what happens when those responsibilities are ignored.
For the people affected, it’s not about blame—it’s about healing, truth, and making sure this doesn’t happen to another family.
Need Support? We’re Here to Help.
At Mickey Keenan, P.A., we don’t just handle cases—we stand with people during some of the hardest moments of their lives.
If you were on the Clearwater Ferry that night, or if you’ve been injured in a similar boating accident, reach out. You deserve answers. You deserve support.
Call today to speak with Attorney Scot Seplowe or a member of our legal team. The consultation is free—and the conversation is on your terms!