CLEARWATER, Fla. — A tragic boating collision near the Clearwater Memorial Causeway in western Florida left at least one person dead and multiple others injured Saturday evening, marking a grim night for one of the state’s busiest coastal waterways. The accident, which involved a Clearwater Ferry carrying dozens of passengers and a smaller recreational boat, has been classified by authorities as a hit-and-run after the recreational vessel fled the scene following the crash.
According to the Clearwater Police Department and U.S. Coast Guard reports, the incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. on April 27. Initial calls to emergency services described a serious collision between two vessels near the bridge connecting downtown Clearwater to Clearwater Beach. The ferry, a common mode of transport for locals and tourists alike, was carrying 45 passengers when it was struck by a recreational boat carrying six people. Officials said the ferry later grounded itself on a nearby sandbar, where rescue operations quickly began.
Emergency responders, including Clearwater Fire and Rescue teams, immediately classified the situation as a mass casualty incident due to the number of injured individuals and the potential for worsening conditions. Trauma alerts were issued, and all local hospitals were notified in preparation for incoming patients. As of late Saturday night, authorities confirmed that one person aboard the ferry had died as a result of injuries sustained during the collision. Several others were transported to hospitals with varying degrees of injuries, though officials have not yet released an exact count.
All passengers from both the ferry and the recreational boat have been accounted for, authorities stressed in their late-night updates. However, attention quickly turned to the vessel responsible for the crash. In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), the Clearwater Police Department confirmed that the recreational boat fled immediately after the impact. Efforts to track the vessel began quickly, and authorities later located the boat in question, although details about any suspects, arrests, or charges have not been made public as of Sunday morning.
The U.S. Coast Guard and local police maintained a strong presence in the waters around the causeway late into the night, ensuring the safety of those involved and beginning the initial stages of the investigation. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the agency tasked with handling major waterway accidents in the state, has now taken over the lead role in the investigation. Officials will be working to determine the exact cause of the collision, assess any contributing factors such as speed, impaired operation, or negligence, and determine the appropriate legal consequences for the fleeing vessel’s operator.
The Clearwater Memorial Causeway, a six-lane bridge offering a vital link between downtown Clearwater and the tourist hotspot of Clearwater Beach, sits roughly 23 miles west of Tampa. The area is a magnet for boating activity, especially during weekends and warmer months, making it a challenging environment for ferry operators, recreational boaters, and law enforcement agencies tasked with maintaining safety on the water. Saturday’s crash, occurring on a typically busy evening, serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with heavy marine traffic and the catastrophic consequences that can result when waterway rules are ignored or violated.
The reaction from local officials reflected the gravity of the situation. Clearwater Mayor Brian Aungst Sr. expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged the community to show support for those affected. “This is a devastating event for our city,” Aungst said. “Our hearts go out to the families who are grieving tonight, and we are incredibly grateful to our first responders who acted swiftly under extremely challenging conditions.”
Coast Guard officers on scene described a chaotic but well-coordinated rescue operation. After the ferry grounded itself on the sandbar, rescuers worked to safely evacuate passengers from the vessel, some of whom had sustained significant injuries during the crash. Witnesses reported a rapid but orderly response from rescue crews as emergency boats, ambulances, and medical teams converged on the area.
For many familiar with Florida’s bustling waterways, the incident also reignites long-standing concerns about boating safety, enforcement, and accountability. While Florida is a paradise for recreational boating, it also leads the nation in boating accidents annually. State and federal authorities have invested heavily in education campaigns promoting safe boating practices, but the combination of heavy boat traffic, alcohol use, and operator inexperience continues to contribute to a high rate of serious accidents.
The fact that the recreational vessel fled the scene adds an additional layer of outrage and concern. Fleeing after causing a crash is a serious criminal offense under Florida law, whether on the roads or waterways, and carries severe penalties. In fatal cases like this one, those responsible could face significant prison time if found guilty. Investigators are now working to gather witness testimony, review surveillance footage, and conduct forensic analysis of the boats involved to build their case.
Meanwhile, the tragedy has had a ripple effect on the Clearwater community, where ferry services are not only a popular attraction but also a practical alternative to crowded bridges and roadways. Questions have arisen regarding whether additional safety measures are needed for passenger ferries, such as improved lighting, designated ferry lanes, or increased patrols during peak traffic periods. While Saturday’s incident involved a recreational vessel at fault, the vulnerability of ferries carrying large numbers of passengers has drawn renewed attention.
As the investigation continues, officials have urged anyone who witnessed the crash or who has information about the events leading up to it to contact authorities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has established a dedicated hotline for tips and is working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and Clearwater Police to ensure a thorough and transparent inquiry.
At the time of publication, no names of the deceased or injured had been released, pending family notification. Likewise, the identities of those aboard the recreational boat have not been disclosed. Officials have promised to provide further updates as new information becomes available.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable dangers present even in familiar, seemingly safe environments like Clearwater’s waters. It has also underscored the essential role that law enforcement and emergency responders play in protecting the public and the tragic consequences when safety rules are ignored.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
