Family files claim in boating death

A second family has filed a claim against the city, citing negligence by officials after two Huntington Beach men died in a boating crash over the summer.

Caleb A. Steele, 30, and Shawn Wilson, 35, died June 27 after crashing into the Gilbert Drive Bridge over Shelter Channel in Huntington Harbor. The two and James Geekie were riding on Wilson’s 12-foot, inflatable Zodiac boat during high tide at 1 a.m.

Steele’s parents filed a claim against the city Friday alleging officials failed to properly illuminate a navigational hazard on the bridge or warn of the effect high tide would have on navigation, according to city documents.

A claim is the precursor to a lawsuit. The family is asking for more than $10,000 in damages. The family’s attorney could not be immediately reached.

The claim is under review and no action has been taken, city officials said.

Wilson’s wife, Deanna Wilson, and children filed a lawsuit Nov. 5 with the same claims against the city. The family’s claims for $5 million each were denied by the city.

At the time of the incident, witnesses said the men were driving recklessly, and police said they found empty beer containers inside the boat.

— Britney Barnes