Injured Kelleys Island man sues boaters in collision

3/21/2002

SANDUSKY - A Kelleys Island man hurt severely in a boat collision on Lake Erie last summer has sued the operators of both crafts, alleging "negligent and reckless operation."

In a suit filed Monday in Erie County Common Pleas Court, Paul Mack and his wife, Gail, seek damages in excess of $25,000 from boaters Daniel Ahner, of Kelleys Island and John Kalenterides, of Uniontown, Ohio. Mr. Mack, who was a passenger on Mr. Ahner's boat, suffered "serious and permanent injuries" as a result of the July 12 collision in Put-in-Bay harbor, the suit claims.

The suit alleges that Mr. Ahner was legally intoxicated when his 27-foot Phoenix slammed into Mr. Kalenterides' boat, a 34-foot Sea Ray.

The Macks' attorney, James Hart, declined to discuss the suit.