CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has released updated information regarding Sunday night’s tragic boat crash near the Memorial Causeway bridge, identifying the individual who died as Jose Castro, 41, of Palm Harbor. The FWC is now the primary agency handling the ongoing investigation.
According to the FWC’s preliminary findings, the incident occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. on April 27, 2025, when a 37-foot recreational vessel, carrying approximately six people, collided with the stern of a 40-foot commercial passenger vessel (the Clearwater Ferry), which had 44 passengers and two crew members on board.
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Following the collision, the recreational vessel left the scene and traveled to the Belleair Boat Ramp. FWC personnel, with assistance from multiple agencies including the Clearwater Police Department, Clearwater Fire Department, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Coast Guard, responded to provide aid and begin their investigation across multiple locations.
The operator of the recreational vessel has been identified as Jeff Knight, 62. Further information regarding other passengers on the recreational boat was not available at the time of the FWC’s release.
The operator of the Clearwater Ferry has been identified as Dennis Kimerer, 64.
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Injured individuals from the ferry were triaged at the Seminole Boat Ramp and subsequently transported to various local hospitals for treatment. The FWC confirmed that no additional fatalities have been reported beyond Mr. Castro. Both vessels involved in the crash have been secured as evidence.
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FWC Critical Incident personnel are continuing to canvass the area for any surveillance footage and potential witnesses. Follow-up interviews with passengers and witnesses are planned as part of the active investigation. The United States Coast Guard is also conducting a separate administrative investigation into the commercial passenger vessel, as previously reported.
The FWC emphasizes that this is an active and ongoing investigation.
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