CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Clearwater Ferry will resume service Thursday for the first time since the deadly crash that killed 41-year-old ferry passenger Jose Castro and injured 10 others. 

The ferry service is independently owned and operated in conjunction with The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is continuing to lead the investigation into what happened during the April 27 crash. 

After functioning as a private entity for the last decade, the Clearwater Ferry announced its partnership with PSTA in February. At the time, the ferry’s owner said the partnership allowed them to add more trips each week, expand service, add two new boats to their fleet, and charge less per ticket. 

In a statement Tuesday announcing that service would resume, PSTA stated that "The ferry’s operators have proactively reviewed their procedures and vessels, the U.S. Coast Guard has performed safety inspections of the vessels, and the service is ready to resume operation."

During the February launch, the Clearwater Ferry had a total of five boats in service. The vessel involved in the crash will not be used.

The agency added: "The Clearwater Ferry team and the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) continue to be heartbroken for the people involved in the collision on April 27, including Jose Castro, who lost his life, the people who were hurt, and their families. They reiterate their deep gratitude for the first responders, crew members, and other boaters who helped during the tragic event."

Many victims of the crash, as well as the operator of the 37-foot powerboat that collided with the ferry, have obtained legal counsel. 

Earlier this week what appears to be the first lawsuit against Jeff Knight, who has identified himself as the driver of the boat, has been filed. Knight has stepped down from his post as the owner and operator of the music venue Jannus Live.

The plaintiff is Nicole Makelele, a longtime Pinellas County teacher. 

Makelele’s attorney Michael Wyatt said Makelele is still in the hospital and has serious and catastrophic injuries that will last for the rest of her life. He went on to say the driver "was going way too fast for the conditions and we think he was clearly negligent."

Makelele is seeking a jury trial and damages of more than $50,000. 

Law firm Morgan & Morgan released a statement saying it is now representing several victims injured in the crash. 

“All Floridians know that operating a boat on the open water comes with the crucial responsibility to ensure the safety of all those around you… We plan to uncover any negligence that may have contributed to this crash and are exploring every possible avenue to achieve justice for the passengers hurt in this incident,” founder John Morgan and attorney Mark Hanson wrote. 

The attorney representing powerboat Captain Jeff Knight has released multiple statements, questioning whether the ferry was property lit. Knight claims someone on his boat called 911 and they remained on scene until the boat began taking on water. 

Knight denies any negligence and has not been arrested or charged with any wrongdoing. FWC has made no indication that they plan to charge him at this point in time.