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Man dies after being ejected from boat on sea trial: Pinellas County deputies

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PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) said deputies are investigating a fatal boat crash in St. Petersburg.

PCSO said deputies responded to a report of an unmanned boat crashing into Stebbins Island shortly before 3 p.m. on Aug. 27.

Deputies said the boat that was on a sea trial and being operated by 56-year-old Pal Pataki. He was not the owner of the boat, per the report.

According to deputies, Pataki was operating the vessel when he was ejected into the water. Deputies located his body and pronounced him dead at the scene.

PCSO said the cause of death is being investigated, but it does not appear suspicious. Deputies also said impairment does not appear to be a factor in the crash.

This is a developing story.

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