Tragic Collision Between Recreational Boat and Clearwater Ferry Leaves One Dead, Several Injured

Image: U.S. Coast Guard Photo

A tragic boating accident on Sunday evening near the Clearwater Memorial Causeway Bridge in Florida has left one person dead and multiple others injured after a collision between a recreational vessel and the Clearwater Ferry.

The incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. when a 37-foot recreational boat carrying six people collided with the ferry, which had 44 passengers on board. Following the impact, the recreational vessel reportedly departed the scene and headed toward a nearby boat ramp.

Emergency services swiftly responded and declared the situation a mass casualty incident. Six individuals were classified as trauma alerts, with two victims airlifted to hospitals for urgent medical care. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased.

“We’d like to offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the deceased,” said Cmdr. Fredrick Pugh, Chief of Response, Sector St. Petersburg. “Coast Guard investigative officers and FWC are working to determine the cause of the collision and verify the details leading up to the incident.”

A coordinated response followed the crash, involving the U.S. Coast Guard Station at Sand Key, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Clearwater Police Department, and the Clearwater Fire Department. The FWC has taken the lead in the investigation, with continued support from Coast Guard personnel.

Authorities believe they may have located the recreational vessel involved, but no further information has been released as the investigation continues.

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