Ferry and Boat Collide in Florida, One Dead, Several Injured

On April 27, authorities in Clearwater, Florida, reported a collision between a ferry and a private boat near the Memorial Causeway Bridge that resulted in one death and several injuries.

According to Clearwater Police and Clearwater Fire & Rescue, the incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. local time when the Clearwater Ferry, which had 45 passengers aboard, was struck by a boat carrying six people. A police spokesperson confirmed that the boat involved fled the scene immediately after the crash.

Six people were classified as trauma alerts, with two individuals requiring airlift transport to local hospitals for emergency treatment. Sadly, one victim later died from injuries sustained during the collision.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard’s Sector St. Petersburg. Authorities continue to search for the vessel that fled following the incident.