One killed, 12 hurt when boater hits ferry, then leaves the scene, FL cops say
One person was killed and 12 others were injured when a boater collided with a packed ferry, then fled, according to investigators in Florida.
The number of people hospitalized doubled from six to 12 in updated information released by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The crash happened around 8:40 p.m. Sunday, April 27, near the Memorial Causeway Bridge in Clearwater, about a 20-mile drive west from Tampa.
“The Clearwater Ferry, which had more than 40 people aboard, was struck by another boat that then left the scene just south of the bridge,” Clearwater police reported in a Sunday news release.
The Coast Guard reports 44 people were on the ferry and six people were on “the recreational vehicle” involved in the collision.
“The fire department declared it a mass casualty incident because of the number and severity of injuries. Six patients were declared as trauma alerts, with two of those being transported by helicopter.”
Investigators say the ferry “came to rest on a sandbar just south of the Memorial Causeway bridge.”
A preliminary investigation indicates a 37-foot recreational vessel “collided with the stern of a 40-foot commercial passenger vessel,” the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a news release.
Video released by Clearwater police appears to show the recreational vessel was traveling at a high rate of speed and went over the top of the ferry during the crash.
“Following the collision, the recreational vessel departed the scene and traveled to Belleair Boat Ramp,” FWC officials said.
“Both vessels involved have been secured as evidence. FWC Critical Incident personnel will continue canvassing the area for surveillance footage and potential witnesses.”
Clearwater Fire Rescue reports it has accounted for all the people who were believed to be aboard the ferry.
The Clearwater Ferry is part of a private charter service that offers group excursions to destinations like Clearwater Beach and Dunedin.
This story was originally published April 28, 2025 at 4:28 AM with the headline "One killed, 12 hurt when boater hits ferry, then leaves the scene, FL cops say."