Clearwater Ferry, Private Boat Crash, Leaving Multiple Victims: Report
The Clearwater ferry has collided with a recreational boat near the Memorial Causeway Bridge, according to the United States Coast Guard.
According to ABC Action News, the City of Clearwater confirmed there were "multiple injuries" from the crash. It's not yet clear whether anyone has died or the condition of the victims.
The cause of the crash is also not clear. The mayor of Clearwater told ABC that "the Clearwater Ferry was in a collision with a privately owned boat" near the Memorial Causeway Bridge. The ferry can hold 50 people, and 42 people were on it, the television station reported.
Six people were listed as "trauma alerts," according to ABC Action News.
"#Breaking @USCG Sector #StPetersburg watchstanders were notified at approx. 8:40 p.m., Sun., of a collision between the Clearwater Ferry & a rec vessel near the Memorial Causeway Bridge. #USCG Sta Sand Key & partner agencies are on scene. We will update as more info. is available," the USCG Southeast X page wrote on the evening of April 27, 2025.
According to ABC Action News, April 27 was the end of the Sugar Sand Festival, although it's not yet clear where the ferry and boat were coming from. However, according to that station, a lot of people were using the ferry to go to and from that festival.
The incident was labeled a "mass casualty event," according to ABC Action News, but that doesn't necessarily mean that anyone is dead.
WTSP-TV was reporting live from the scene of what the station was describing as a "boat crash" with the bridge.