Clearwater Ferry, Private Boat Crash, Leaving Multiple Victims
The Clearwater ferry has collided with a recreational boat near the Memorial Causeway Bridge, according to the United States Coast Guard.
"The Clearwater Ferry, which had more than 40 people aboard, was struck by another boat that then left the scene. The fire department declared it a mass casualty incident because of the number and severity of injuries. Six patients were declared as trauma alerts, with two of those being transported by helicopter," the City of Clearwater wrote on X just before 11 p.m. on April 27.
"It is not believed that there is anyone reported missing from the ferry," the city added.
Clearwater police also released a statement, writing: "The crash involved the Clearwater Ferry, which had more than 40 people on board. All of the injuries are from the ferry. The boat that struck the ferry fled the scene. The ferry came to rest on a sandbar just south of the Memorial Causeway bridge. All patients and passengers have been removed from the boat."
According to ABC Action News, 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.
WTSP-TV was reporting live from the scene of what the station was describing as a "serious boat crash." It started about 8:43 p.m., the station reported. At least two helicopters and 10 ambulances responded to the scene, and rescue workers were "trying desperately to get people off the ferry," the station reported.
10:45 p.m. Update: The Clearwater Ferry, which had more than 40 people aboard, was struck by another boat that then left the scene. The fire department declared it a mass casualty incident because of the number and severity of injuries. Six patients were declared as trauma…
— City of Clearwater, FL (@MyClearwater) April 28, 2025
About a dozen people had yellow cards for some injuries, with another six having a red card for more serious injuries, according to the station, which noted that dozens of people were not injured.
"#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. WTSP-TV had initially reported that the ferry hit a sandbar.
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— Todd Paron???????????????????????? (@tparon) April 28, 2025
Update new footage from the MCI ferry in Clearwater, Florida that collided with a sandbar and possible other boat they are looking into a possible hit-and-run.
Over 40 people were aboard the ferry dozens injured some in critical condition to medical… pic.twitter.com/kcJ9ktdesO
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.
Although the incident was labeled a "mass casualty event," according to ABC Action News that doesn't necessarily mean that anyone is dead.
WTSP's reporter at the scene said that she saw children and families leaving the water.
"There are still many people coming out of this water," she said in the broadcast.
The anchor described it as a "chaotic scene."