Pasco County Injury Attorney Blog
A cable failure on board the Island Lady led the shuttle boat to crash into Tropical Breeze Casino’s dock and building back in October, according to a U.S. Coast Guard damage survey.
The report states that on Oct. 22, the cable going from the boat’s micro command box to the transmission failed. The crew couldn’t disengage the starboard engine.
Damage to the boat is described as “minimal” — minor scratches on the bow.
When the coast guard took a look at the boat the next day, a visual inspection of the hull was conducted and tests involving the engines were performed. The report noted these tests were satisfactory, as was a visual inspection of a new cable.
Damage to the building, meanwhile, was described as “catastrophic.”
A city site inspection report notes that plans have been submitted to repair the dock and the building.
Fifty passengers were forced to jump from the Island Lady into the gulf last month when the boat became engulfed in flames. One woman later died.
Spokespeople for both Tropical Breeze Casino and the U.S. Coast Guard declined to comment on the report because of the ongoing investigation into that fire.
There’s no information that suggests the October crash is connected to the January fire.
When a boating accident occurs due to another person’s negligence, any victims may have the legal right to file a lawsuit and obtain financial compensation for any damages and injuries. Our Pasco County Boating Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you understand what steps to take next. We are dedicated to helping injury victims receive full and fair compensation for their injury claims.
Filing a boating accident claim in Florida can be difficult to do without the help of an attorney. Our lawyers understand the complex legal process and can conduct a thorough investigation into your boating accident to identify the at-fault party and establish negligence. We urge you to treat your boating accident the way you would treat a car accident, and contact us as soon as possible so that we can begin helping you right away.
For a free case evaluation, call us today at 727-847-2299.