Third claim filed in boating death

A third victim in a Huntington Harbour boating crash last summer has filed a claim against the city citing negligence.

James Geekie, 37, was riding in a 12-foot, inflatable Zodiac boat during high tide at 1 a.m. June 27. Shawn Wilson, 35, was also riding in the vessel as owner Caleb Steele, 30, drove. The boat crashed into the Gilbert Drive Bridge over Shelter Channel, and Wilson and Steele were knocked out of the boat and died.

Geekie was knocked unconscious inside the boat and fractured his skull, according to the claim filed Dec. 22.

Geekie is requesting an unknown amount of more than $10,000 for damages. A claim is the precursor to a lawsuit.

The bridge the boat crashed into was negligently constructed and wasn’t properly illuminated, according to the claim.

— Britney Barnes