Clearwater, FL – April 27, 2025 — A Sunday evening ferry ride in Clearwater turned tragic when a Clearwater Ferry carrying 45 passengers was struck by a private boat near the Memorial Causeway Bridge, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries.
Clearwater Fire & Rescue declared the scene a “mass casualty incident” after the collision forced the ferry onto a sandbar just south of the bridge. Six individuals were transported as trauma alerts, with two victims airlifted to nearby hospitals in critical condition. Emergency responders evacuated all passengers safely from the grounded vessel.
Officials say the ferry, part of the Clearwater Ferry fleet that shuttles passengers between downtown Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin, was operating its regular route when the accident occurred. The ferry involved was one of the service’s larger vessels, capable of carrying up to 63 people.
The boat that struck the ferry — a private recreational vessel carrying six people — fled the scene immediately following the collision. Law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), quickly launched a search. By late Sunday night, authorities had identified the fleeing vessel and its occupants, though no arrests had been announced as of Monday morning.
“This is a devastating situation,” said Clearwater Fire Chief Scott Ehlers. “Our first priority was ensuring everyone’s safety and providing immediate medical care to the injured.”
Witnesses reported chaos immediately following the collision, describing passengers being thrown from their seats and scrambling for life jackets. Several passengers credited the ferry crew for their swift response in helping injured individuals and maintaining calm.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Investigators are looking into whether speed, impairment, or mechanical failure played a role in the crash.
Authorities have urged anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the events leading up to it to come forward.
The Clearwater Ferry service, which has been a staple of Pinellas County transportation since 2015, temporarily suspended operations Monday pending a full safety review.
This tragic incident highlights growing concerns over boating safety in the busy waterways around Clearwater, especially during the spring tourism season.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.