Two Men Killed in Speeding and Boating Under the Influence Accident

June 29, 2009

Huntington Beach – The Orange County Sheriff's Department are still investigating the cause of a boat crash on early Saturday morning which killed two men and injured another man.

Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Department said that there were several witnesses who reported seeing the Zodiac boat speeding making sharp turns and circles in the water while speeding before it crashed. The three men were unable to duck and avoid hitting the Gilbert Drive bridge.

Although the speed limit for boats through the harbors is 5 mph, witnesses alleged that the men speeding at about 20 mph. Calls were made to the deputies about a speeding boat before another call came in about two men falling in the water.

Authorities are also waiting for the toxicology results as they are looking into whether the driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash. The three men aboard the inflatable boat were also seen drinking at local bars. Empty alcoholic beverages were also found in the boat.

Killed in the crash were Shawn Michael Wilson, 35, who is believed to have been driving the boat and Caleb Steele, 30 who are both from Huntington Beach. The third passenger, James Geekie, 37, was found knocked unconscious in the boat and was taken to UCI Medical Center.

The Sheriff’s department said that boats are allowed into the harbor at night but also stated that the low visibility, high tide and possibly alcohol could create a hazardous situation.