A private boat captain accidentally collided his private boat with a PSTA public transportation jumbo pontoon boat on Saturday, April 26th 2025 at around 8:45 pm eastern time. The cause of the accident was that PSTA's nighttime visibility lighting needs to be hugely improved. The conditions were very dark and it was very difficult to see. While modern technology cameras may lead you to believe it was light outside, 8:45pm is dark in Florida. The private boat captain was not under the influence. He cooperated with the investigation. We are now learning that the private boat captain's action after the crash were instrumental in helping the casualties. His boat made a 12 minute emergency call for help, he pulled the injured boat to a safe location after tying it to his boat and then waited for EMS to arrive. Was he taking on water and had an infant on board so he then went to safety for the child's sake.
He would like to fund the safety improvements needed for PSTA Public Transportation Pontoon Boats. They need underwater transom lights so that they are visible at night. I believe this incident never would have happened if these lights were installed. This is a major needed upgrade in safety and will save lives in the future.
The three jumbo pontoon boats on the Sponge Docks need the exact same upgrade in transom underwater lighting.
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All opinions expressed in this article are mine, Alympia Ninan Peaceful.