Boat Accident

Although Floridians enjoy boating throughout the year, safety remains a prevalent concern for this popular pastime. In an effort to decrease the amount of boat accidents that occur, the state of Florida, along with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, offers safety training and other programs to keep boating safe for everyone. However, we know many accidents… read more

On Sunday, September 29th, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigators worked to determine what led to a wave runner accident that left two tourists dead. Around 6:10pm, a rented wave runner collided with a double-deck dolphin-watch boat near the Clearwater Memorial Causeway Bridge. The wave runner was operated by Ramana Gadiraju, 50, and his… read more

This past Labor Day, Katie Yule, a 15-year-old student of Keswick Christian School was fatally injured in a boating accident on Lake Seminole in Pinellas County. The accident occurred when Katie, along with a companion, Aubree Franz, 13, of St. Petersburg, were riding on a tube together being towed behind her father’s center console motorboat…. read more

On Sunday, September 1st, a fatal boating accident claimed the life of Joshua Griffin, 29 of Land-O-Lakes. Griffin was riding on a boat piloted by his brother, Jeffrey-Jeremiah, 32, along with a friend, Denelle Walicke, 25, when it struck a channel marker shortly before midnight close to the shore of Port Richey. Griffin was ejected… read more

Encouraged by year-round sunshine and warm weather, water sports and activities are common for Florida residents and tourists. As temperatures climb in summer months, involvement in water recreation activities including boating, parasailing and kayaking increases as well. Unfortunately, water sports and boating activities also present relative dangers. Each year, carelessness and operator inexperience contribute to… read more