Andre Futrell is seen here working on another steel boat in Port Manatee. The Tampa longshoreman was injured Wednesday, and his co-worker was killed. Photo by Benito Torres.
Hercules Gilmore, 56, died in the accident. He was remembered as a good neighbor, friend and pastor.
Detectives say a strap that was holding the bundle of pipes together broke as it was being offloaded by a crane at the Port of Tampa.
Gilmore was killed. Futrell is listed in fair condition at Tampa General Hospital.
Futrell’s son, Jarred, said his dad is ready to get back to work. Jarred said the only major injury his dad sustained in the industrial accident is a broken ankle.
“I remember the doctor mentioning that about three or four months he’ll have to do some, I guess rehab or whatever, and build his strength back up. But like I said, he’s in good spirits, ready to get back to work,” he said. “We’re just praying for Hercules’ family,” he said.