CLEARWATER, Fla. – One person has tragically died and ten others were injured when a recreational boat slammed into the back of the Clearwater Ferry last night, according to an afternoon press conference held by Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy. The collision occurred around 8:40 PM as the ferry, carrying 45 passengers and two crew members, was returning from Clearwater Beach.
Chief Gandy described the scene as a “major situation” from the moment the 911 calls came in, with dispatchers reporting “horrific screaming” in the background.
Dozens of police officers and firefighters, along with representatives from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Coast Guard, responded to the “team effort” in the wake of the tragic event.
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WATCH THE CRASH:
The Clearwater Fire Department had declared the incident a mass casualty event upon arrival, according to EMS Chief Tony Tedesco.
He explained that a mass casualty designation occurs when the number of victims exceeds the available resources. In this case, ten patients were ultimately transported to hospitals in Clearwater, St. Pete, and Tampa, including six trauma alerts, two of whom were airlifted.
Chief Gandy extended his thoughts to the families of those on board, particularly the children and the family of the deceased individual. He also commended the actions of a ferry crew member, whose efforts he believes “likely saved lives.”
Chief Gandy directly addressed online misinformation, clarifying that the ferry did not strike a sandbar. Instead, it was struck from behind by another vessel that left the scene before law enforcement arrived. A brief video clip of the crash was shown during the press conference, depicting a recreational vessel traveling eastbound in the channel and colliding with the rear of the ferry. Chief Gandy noted that the impact appeared to involve the recreational vessel overriding nearly three-quarters of the ferry.
Major Evan Laskowski of the FWC confirmed that the hit-and-run vessel, described as a 37-foot recreational center console boat, was located approximately three and a half miles south of the crash site by Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies near the Bel Air Causeway. The operator and passengers of that vessel were on board.
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While the Coast Guard will handle the administrative investigation involving the U.S. Coast Guard-inspected ferry, Major Laskowski announced that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be taking the lead on the crash investigation itself. He described the accident scene as “very dynamic,” spanning multiple locations, including the sandbar where the ferry came to rest and various local hospitals where the injured were transported. FWC has deployed a team of investigators to conduct interviews, review footage, and assess damage to both vessels.
Major Laskowski stated that investigators would be examining the operation of running lights on both vessels and ensuring the commercial ferry followed all federal regulations.
He also noted the complexities of marine accident investigations compared to vehicle accidents, citing the dynamic environment of tides and winds, as well as the unique properties of fiberglass.
Authorities confirmed that the operator of the recreational boat was cooperative with investigators last night and that a breathalyzer test yielded a result of 0.000. No one is currently in custody.
While 911 call logs are still being reviewed to determine which vessel made the initial calls, Chief Gandy emphasized the importance of remaining on scene and rendering aid in the event of an accident.
The FWC’s investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
PREVIOUS REPORT: The aftermath of tonight’s boat crash involving the Clearwater Ferry near the Memorial Causeway bridge has taken a tragic turn, with authorities confirming one fatality resulting from the injuries sustained.
At the time of the collision, there were 45 people on board the ferry, including two crew members.
Law enforcement officials have announced that the boat which fled the scene after striking the ferry has been identified by another law enforcement agency. Details regarding the identity of the vessel and potential suspects have not yet been released.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will now be taking the lead in the ongoing investigation into the crash.
PREVIOUS REPORT: Authorities have provided an update regarding the boat crash near the Memorial Causeway bridge that occurred at approximately 8:43 p.m. The incident involved the Clearwater Ferry, which had over 40 people on board at the time of the collision.
According to officials on the scene, all reported injuries were sustained by passengers on the Clearwater Ferry. The other vessel involved in the crash reportedly fled the scene immediately following the collision.
The impact resulted in significant injuries, with six patients designated as trauma alerts. Two of these critically injured individuals required immediate air transport for specialized medical care.
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Despite the large number of passengers aboard the ferry, authorities have indicated that no one is currently believed to be missing from the vessel, which came to rest on a sandbar just south of the Memorial Causeway bridge. All passengers have been safely evacuated.
The United States Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have launched a joint investigation into the hit-and-run crash. Their efforts will focus on identifying the fleeing vessel and its operator, as well as determining the cause of the collision.
This is a developing story.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Clearwater Police and Clearwater Fire & Rescue are currently responding to the scene of a boat crash with reported injuries near the Memorial Causeway bridge.
Authorities received the call at approximately 8:43 p.m. Initial reports indicate multiple individuals have sustained injuries in the incident.
Further updates regarding the extent of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding the crash will be released Clearwater Police Department and Clearwater Fire & Rescue. This story will be updated.
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