TORONTO — The family of Keith White, the 34-year-old London, Ont. man who died tragically after falling off of a party boat in to Lake Ontario in June, have launched a lawsuit and are seeking $1 million from the cruise operator that owns the vessel.
In a press release, the White family said they believe that Mariposa Cruises “are responsible for his untimely death” and filed the lawsuit in Toronto where the company operates.
“We are confused about how Keith could fall off a ship in daylight, surface alert and continue to swim, and yet it appears nothing was done to assist him in a timely manner,” the family said.
READ MORE: Family of London, Ont. man who fell off party boat into Lake Ontario plans to sue
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They added that they do not believe enough is being done to “get answers” and the public should learn how these cruises operate and the safety measures that are in place.
White’s parents will hold a press conference at the office of Millars Law, In Kilworth, Ont., about 15 km west of London, on Friday to take questions.
The family said White was one of about 425 guests at a private party on the Northern Spirit when he went overboard at about 7:30 p.m. on June 13, about two kilometres south of the Humber River.
READ MORE: Body found in Humber Bay is missing man Keith White, who fell off party boat
The ship is owned by Mariposa Cruises and White’s estate and family are seeking $1 million in damages.
White’s body was recovered from the Humber Bay on July 1. Police said at the time they believed he had fallen about seven metres from the upper deck.
READ MORE: Search continues for man, 34, who fell off party boat in Lake Ontario
Friends and family had said at the time that White was healthy, in good shape and certified as a lifeguard.
The water temperature at the time was about 9 C and hypothermia can set in at that temperature within 10 minutes.
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