Colorado Teen Seriously Injured in Personal Watercraft Crash Near Caladesi Island
Posted: March 30, 2017 – 9:15PM
The crash occurred at approximately 2:40 PM on Thursday, March 30, 2017 in the Gulf of Mexico. The collision was less than a mile off the northwest corner of Caladesi Island State Park.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Deputies assigned to the Marine & Environmental Lands Unit are investigating the crash that involved two personal watercraft . The deputies responded with paramedics to the north side of Caladesi Island State Park to investigate.
According to investigators, 49-year-old Alan Gil, of Colorado was driving a personal watercraft in the Gulf of Mexico near the northwest tip of Caladesi Island State Park, with his 14-year-old son, Brendan Gil, riding as a passenger. Alan Gil’s 16-year-old son, Ethan Gil, was operating a second 2016 Yamaha personal watercraft in the same area.
Investigators say that Alan Gil made several rapid turns while operating his watercraft and turned into the path of Ethan Gil’s watercraft, causing the collision. Alan Gil, Brendan Gil, and Ethan Gil were thrown off their watercraft.
Paramedics responded to the scene and transported Brendan Gil by the Bayflite helicopter that landed on the island. He was transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg for serious but non-life threatening injuries. Alan and Ethan Gil were not injured. They were all wearing life vests at the time of the crash.
Investigators don’t believe impairment was a factor in the crash. They do suspect the careless operation of the watercraft caused the crash.
Alan Gil and his two sons were on a guided tour with H2O Jet Ski Rentals and Tours of Clearwater Beach at the time of the crash.
The investigation continues.
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