One Dead, Multiple Injured After Boat Collides with Clearwater Ferry and Flees Scene

Investigators search the wreckage of a Clearwater Ferry after a boat crashed into the ferry causing multiple injuries near the Clearwater Memorial Causeway Bridge, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Clearwater, Fla.

One person is dead and several others are injured after a boat collided with a ferry in Clearwater, Florida, on Sunday night. The Clearwater Ferry was carrying 45 people when it was struck by a separate vessel that immediately fled the scene, according to city officials. Following the collision, the ferry came to a stop on a sandbar beneath the Memorial Causeway bridge.

Florida Police: The boat responsible for the incident fled the scene, and all the injured were on board the ferry

Authorities believe the boat responsible for the collision has been identified and detained. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will lead the ongoing investigation. The collision resulted in the death of one individual, whose injuries proved fatal.

The boat hit a sand bar and flew on top of the clearwater ferry, crushing people under the canopy.

Although the exact number of injured passengers has not yet been confirmed, police stated that all of the injured were aboard the ferry. The Clearwater Fire Department classified the incident as a “mass casualty incident” due to the high number of injuries. Six trauma alerts were issued following the crash.

At least 1 dead, 12 hospitalized after ferry carrying 45 people crashes in Clearwater, Florida

Emergency responders evacuated all passengers from the ferry. Two individuals who were seriously injured were airlifted to hospitals for treatment. Bayfront Hospital reported receiving one patient suffering from a femur fracture and another with undetermined injuries.

Officials are working to ensure all passengers have been accounted for. Assistance at the scene was provided by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard. A spokesperson for the Clearwater Ferry acknowledged the incident but declined to release further details due to the active investigation.