A person died and a dozen were injured in a maritime accident that occurred Sunday night near the Memorial Causeway bridge in Clearwater, Florida, when a boat collided with the Clearwater ferry, local and federal authorities confirmed.
The incident was reported around 8:40 p.m. when a crew member of the ferry issued a distress signal on VHF-FM channel 16, stating that they had been hit by a vessel and that there were injured people on board. Rescue teams from the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Clearwater Police Department, local firefighters, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) were immediately mobilized, according to an official statement by the USCG.
According to preliminary figures, there were 45 people on board the ferry, while the boat was carrying six occupants. Authorities confirmed that everyone was evacuated, but one person died from their injuries and 12 passengers were taken to local hospitals, some by helicopter.
The collision caused the ferry to run aground on a sandbank south of the bridge. The incident was classified as a “mass casualty incident” by the Clearwater firefighters, which triggered an alert to all hospitals in the area, according to local police.
A key element of the case is that, according to police spokesperson Rob Shaw, the boat that struck the ferry fled the scene after the collision. Later, the vessel was located and identified, although details about its occupants have not been disclosed, nor if they are facing charges.
In the statement issued by the Coast Guard, Commander Fredrick Pugh, head of response for the St. Petersburg Sector, expressed: “We want to extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the deceased person. Coast Guard and FWC investigative officers are working to determine the cause of the collision and verify the details leading up to the incident.”
The USCG also emphasized that "this is a very dynamic situation." In this context, the rapid coordination among federal, state, and local agencies was crucial.
Videos shared by the Clearwater Police Department showed footage captured by a camera in Coachman Park, which overlooks the park and marina area.
One of the ferry passengers, Steven Whitehurst, described the moment of impact as "blinding" and said that the boat appeared and disappeared in a matter of seconds. In statements to the local media WFLA-TampaHoy, he recounted seeing people with broken limbs and a woman trapped underneath the boat when it climbed onto the ferry. He added that after the impact, he felt a rush of adrenaline and joined other passengers who quickly acted to assist the injured, emphasizing that "people came together so quickly… it was like we were a team."
The investigation into the causes of the accident is ongoing and is being conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), with the support of the Coast Guard.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Collision Between a Boat and a Ferry in Florida
What happened in the maritime accident near the Memorial Causeway Bridge in Clearwater?
A boat collided with a Clearwater ferry, resulting in one death and 12 injuries. The incident triggered a multi-agency emergency response and was classified as a "mass casualty incident."
How did the authorities respond to the maritime accident in Clearwater?
The authorities quickly mobilized rescue teams from the U.S. Coast Guard, local police, and firefighters. The response was coordinated to evacuate all passengers and transport the injured to local hospitals.
What is known about the boat that collided with the ferry in Clearwater?
The boat fled the scene after the collision, but it was located and identified later. Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the occupants or whether they are facing charges.
What is the status of the investigation into the accident between the ferry and the boat?
The investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision and verify the details leading up to the incident. The Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are in charge of the investigation.
Filed under:
