News: Man charged with boating under the influence in fatal accident off Key West

KEY WEST, FL –  A man was arrested last week in connection with a fatal boating accident off Key West on Jan. 21, 2020, the Miami Herald reports.

71-year-old Johnny Louis “Jeep” Caillouet of Key West has been charged with boating under the influence manslaughter in the case. Investigators said Caillouet was operating an 11-foot Carolina Skiff in Key West Harbor en route to Wisteria Island when a wave came over the vessel’s bow and caused it to capsize.

A passenger, 49-year-old Saronne Lee Prater of Key West, was ejected and was taken to Lower Keys Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. Caillouet sustained minor injuries. 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said blood tests revealed that Caillouet was under the influence of alcohol and prescription medication at the time of the accident, indicating impairment.  Following his arrest on Thursday, he was taken to the county jail on Stock Island and was being held on $250,000 bond.

At Hickey Law Firm, P.A., we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims of admiralty and maritime accidents. If you have been seriously injured or your loved one has been killed as either a passenger or an employee onboard a vessel, you may be entitled to compensation. So contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Miami boat accident lawyers. Call 888-913-4296, text 844-984-1937, or complete our contact form.