Update: Only Minor Injuries After Boat Slams into Restaurant

Update Feb. 24, 5:08 p.m.: The boat’s operator, Matthew Santiago, 31, was cited with reckless operation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the agency announced Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier:

Diners at Ruskin’s Sunset Grill at Little Harbor got quite a shock Monday night when a 39-foot SeaVee boat came crashing into the establishment.

The force of the crash made part of the building’s roof collapse, but workers and customers at the 611 Destiny Drive eatery were uninjured, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue reported.

According to fire rescue spokeswoman Nacole Revette, there were seven passengers aboard the boat when it ran aground. Only one was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and another, reportedly, was able to drive himself.

Fire rescue did shore up the roof to ensure safety, but had to turn the case over to Hillsborough County Code Enforcement to ensure structural integrity issues are addressed.

Monday night’s heavy fog is being cited as a possible cause in the crash.

The case is now under investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The names of the boaters have not been released and it’s unclear if charges will be filed.

The Sunset Grill is closed “until we make sure everything is safe, and the boat is removed,” the business noted on its Facebook page. “We are doing this as a precaution and will let you know when we will open for regular business.”

Photo courtesy of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

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