Jeff Knight arrested after 3-month FWC investigation into deadly Clearwater ferry crash

Knight’s Legal Team Responds to Charges: Ferry Safety Failures, Not Knight’s Conduct, at Heart of April 27 Collision

Clearwater, FL — Jeffrey Knight remains deeply saddened by the events of April 27, 2025, and extends his prayers to all those affected. This tragic incident deserves careful attention, not rushed judgment — and certainly not public mischaracterization.

Yet from the very beginning, that’s exactly what happened.

“The claim that Jeff Knight immediately sped from the scene is false — and it’s time to correct the record,” said Knight’s attorney, J. Kevin Hayslett.

That allegation — first issued publicly by the Clearwater Police Department and quickly echoed by media outlets, public officials, and social media commentators — suggested that Knight fled responsibility. In truth, Knight remained on scene for over 11 minutes, tied his vessel to the ferry, pushed it toward land to assist first responders, and instructed his passenger to call 911, which resulted in a nine-minute recorded emergency call.

“He didn’t flee — he stayed, he helped, and he made the call. But that didn’t fit the early narrative,”Hayslett added.

Even more troubling, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has filed eight felony chargesagainst Knight — not for eight distinct criminal acts, but for a single alleged offense repeated for each person on board the ferry who claims injury.

“Let’s be clear: these aren’t eight separate incidents — it’s one allegation copied eight times. It may sound dramatic, but it’s not eight different acts. It’s the same charge applied to each passenger,”Hayslett explained.

And remarkably, those charges are not based on physical evidence or objective facts, but largely on Knight’s demeanor after the collision.

“When a law enforcement agency charges someone based on how they looked — not what they did — that’s not justice. That’s opinion masquerading as law,” Hayslett said.

Meanwhile, in a development that finally confirms what Knight’s team has stated from the outset, the ferry boat captain has now been charged for failing to maintain a required stern light — a basic and critical safety device under both Coast Guard and maritime law.

“It’s ironic — and frankly outrageous — that Knight was vilified while the ferry was operating in complete violation of federal safety standards,” Hayslett said.

“This is the maritime equivalent of a school bus driving at night with no tail lights — and blaming the driver who couldn’t see it.”

As a common carrier, the Clearwater Ferry is legally bound to the highest standard of care. That includes:

• Coast Guard inspections

• Working navigational lighting (including stern lights)

• Use of sound signals to avoid collision

• Proper lookout and staffing

• Timely post-incident drug and alcohol screening

“Knight is being charged for staying calm. The ferry captain is being charged for making his boat invisible,” Hayslett said.

Knight’s conduct on April 27 and since has been consistent, responsible, and cooperative:

• He remained on scene

• Tied up to the ferry

• Pushed the vessel toward land

• Directed a 911 call lasting over 9 minutes

• Voluntarily submitted to a breath test — result: 0.000

• Surrendered his vessel for inspection

• Returned from out of state voluntarily

• Surrendered his passport

“If law enforcement had even a shred of evidence Jeff was impaired, they could have — and would have — compelled testing. They didn’t. Because there wasn’t any,” said Hayslett.

Meanwhile, the Clearwater Ferry, partially funded by taxpayers through the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), has escaped meaningful scrutiny for its own operational failures.

“When an insurance company writes a million-dollar check, they’re not doing it out of generosity — they’re admitting fault,” Hayslett noted.

This case isn’t about social media narratives or political soundbites. It’s about the facts — and what the evidence really shows.

“We look forward to presenting that evidence to an impartial jury of Mr. Knight’s peers — and finally setting the record straight,” Hayslett concluded.

Statement on Behalf of the Family of Jose Castro

We have been informed that felony criminal charges are pending against Jeffry Knight, the operator of the vessel that tragically struck the Clearwater Ferry, on April 27, 2025, resulting in the death of Jose Castro.

This is a deeply painful time for our family who continue to grieve an unimaginable loss. While no legal proceeding can undo the heartbreak we’ve suffered, today’s charges represent a step toward accountability and justice.

The Castro family appreciates the work of the investigators and prosecutors who have treated Jose’s death with the significance it deserves. More than anything, our family hopes this case will act as a deterrent to anyone considering reckless action on our waterways.

This is the only comment Jose Castro’s family has at this time as we continue to fight for justice for Jose in every way available to us under the law.