The Skyway Bridge Disaster Documentary to Premiere at Tampa Theatre

On May 9, 1980, America witnessed one of the most stunning tragedies in maritime history. The M/V Summit Venture, a massive 608’ bulk freighter, collided with one of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge’s support columns.

As the bridge crumbled into the Bay, 35 people plunged to their deaths in the unforgiving waters below. From that day forward, the journey of Captain Lerro and Steve Yerrid, the young trial lawyer who came to represent him, was one of courtroom drama, struggle, redemption, and the bond that developed between a condemned client and his devoted lawyer.

Almost 40 years later, the new documentary, The Skyway Bridge Disaster, relives that unforgettable day and its aftermath, taking viewers onto the bridge, inside the ship and into the courtroom through the experiences of survivors, local leaders, and Steve Yerrid, himself.

The documentary will have its world premiere at the Tampa Theatre on Saturday, September 14 at 7:30pm.

The program will begin with an introduction from Steve Yerrid, followed by the screening of The Skyway Bridge Disaster. Following the film, Yerrid and the filmmakers will answer questions from the audience.