On Sunday evening, a devastating incident occurred in Clearwater, Florida, when a boat collided with the Clearwater Ferry, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. The Clearwater Police Department confirmed that all the individuals injured were aboard the ferry at the time of the accident. The ferry was carrying a total of 45 passengers, including two crew members, when it was struck by a passing vessel.
Due to the extent of the injuries, the fire department declared the situation a mass casualty incident. In a social media update, Clearwater PD announced that all local hospitals had been notified to prepare for incoming patients. Multiple trauma alerts were issued, with helicopters dispatched to transport two of the more severely injured individuals.
The collision occurred near the Memorial Causeway Bridge in Clearwater at approximately 8:40 p.m., prompting a swift response from Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. Following the crash, the ferry came to a halt on a sandbar just south of the bridge, allowing first responders and emergency personnel to evacuate all passengers safely.
One passenger shared their harrowing experience with ABC affiliate WFTS in Tampa, recounting, "We were just enjoying the ride, and then all of a sudden we hear the first mate yelling, 'Hey, hey, hey.'" The passenger, who was on the ferry with his wife—31 weeks pregnant—and their two children, described the shocking moment when a large yacht crashed into their vessel.
According to the Coast Guard, the recreational boat that struck the ferry had six people on board and fled the scene immediately after the incident. However, authorities later located the vessel, which has since been identified by another law enforcement agency. Clearwater PD confirmed that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be leading the investigation into the crash, with further details about the second vessel involved still pending.
This tragic incident highlights the need for increased safety measures on the waterways, particularly in busy areas like Clearwater. As investigations continue, the community remains in shock over the loss of life and the injuries sustained during this unfortunate event.
