Man Ejected from Vessel, Dies in Waterways Near St. Petersburg

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – A fatal boat crash on Wednesday afternoon claimed the life of a 56-year-old man near the Bay Pines Bridge, according to the Pinellas Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to a report of an unmanned vessel that had crashed into Stebbins Island, located near the 9600 block of Bay Pines Boulevard.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:53 p.m., deputies say. Authorities identified the operator of the boat as Pal Pataki, who was conducting a sea trial of the vessel. Investigators believe Pataki was ejected from the boat while it was in operation.

Following a search, Pataki’s body was located in the water. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

While the exact cause of death is still under investigati

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