New details on parasailing accident in Clearwater Beach

A report outlining exactly what happened prior to a parasailing accident that seriously injured a tourist on Clearwater Beach was released Tuesday.

The parasailers were about 50-feet above the water and the winch retrieving them let loose, causing the parasailers to zip to the end of the line. That's when the line snapped, according to a preliminary investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation.

The report also states Shaun Ladd was able to release himself before his fiancee, Alejandra White, was dragged across Clearwater Beach. White is still listed in critical condition at Bayfront Medical Center.

The boat, belonging to the Sky Screamer Parasail Company, was seized from the Clearwater Marina Monday afternoon.

"We currently have the parasail vessel secured to examine it," said Christian Barger from the U.S. Coast Guard. "As well as its equipment and all the parasail harnesses, wires, and shoot are all in custody of  Fish and Wildlife for us to examine as well." 

History of parasailing accidents

The parasailing accident on Clearwater Beach is a tragic reminder of several parasailing incidents over the last 10 years.

In 2001, a mother and her 13-year-old daughter were killed in Fort Myers after their tow line broke in stormy weather.

"2001 was a really horrible case for my client" said Kevin McLaughlin, the attorney representing the family. "He lost his wife and his daughter and after that you'd hope to see a little more going in terms of regulation in the industry."

In 2004, two teen girls floated helplessly over power lines and buildings in Madeira Beach when their tow rope snapped.

And, in 2007 a teenage girl died in South Florida.

There are still no laws regulating when parasailing companies can or cannot take customers on the water.  There are only voluntary standards.

"You know that should have been a wakeup call for the industry" said McLaughlin, " For the Florida Legislature that type of thing should have never happened again."

FWC investigators are looking into whether anything criminal occurred, while the Coast Guard is handling whether any changes should be made through regulation.