PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The captain at the helm of the Clearwater ferry that was involved in a fatal crash in April 2025 has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in the incident.
According to Spectrum Bay News 9 partner newspaper the Tampa Bay Times, ferry captain Dennis Kimerer, 65, pleaded guilty Wednesday to a civil infraction of violation of a navigational rule resulting in a boating accident. His charge initially was a misdemeanor.
Officials said Kimmerer’s charge stemmed from his vessel not having a working stern light at the time of the accident.
Kimerer will also face a $500 fine.
Meanwhile, the trial for the man accused in the crash has been delayed.
Jeffry Knight is facing eight felony counts of leaving the scene of a boat crash. Each charge carries maximum sentences of up to 30 years in prison.
Knight, 63, who was arrested July 28, has pleaded not guilty.
Knight admitted he was driving his 37-foot power boat that night when it collided with the ferry near the Memorial Causeway Bridge. Jose Castro, 41, a passenger on the ferry was killed in the incident.
Some of the other ferry passengers suffered injuries.
Knight’s trial is now scheduled to begin on Feb. 1, 2027.
Knight’s attorney previously said the ferry should have blasted a whistle or horn before the crash and suggested the ferry had more passengers onboard than allowed. Knight has denied any negligence or wrongdoing in the crash.
FWC Capt. Matt DallaRosa stated shortly after the incident that Knight submitted to a breathalyzer test and there was no alcohol in his system.