Introduction to the Incident
At least one person died and several others were injured Sunday when a boat crashed into a ferry off the Memorial Causeway Bridge and then fled the scene, authorities said.
The Clearwater Police Department posted on X that there were multiple injuries and the crash had been declared “a mass casualty incident” by the Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department due to the number of injuries.
Details of the Crash
Along with @clearwaterfire, we’re working a boat crash off the Memorial Causeway bridge that has resulted in multiple injuries. It’s been declared a mass casualty incident by the fire department due to the number of injuries. All local hospitals have been notified. Multiple… pic.twitter.com/jsM2UJIfBA— Clearwater Police Department (@myclearwaterPD) April 28, 2025
All of those injured were aboard the ferry, which was carrying more than 40 people.
Aftermath and Response
The ferry came to rest on a sandbar just south of the Memorial Causeway bridge and all patients and passengers have been removed.
Police did not immediately provide any information about the boat that fled the scene.
“We believe that the boat responsible for hitting the ferry left the scene immediately, and we believe that our law enforcement partners may have that boat,” Clearwater Police spokesperson Rob Shaw said.
Investigation and Casualties
Authorities did not immediately provide the number of those who were hurt.
“All local hospitals have been notified. Multiple trauma alerts have been called with helicopters transporting two of the more seriously injured," the post said.
Videos on social media showed several first responders rushing to the scene with lights flashing.
Police cautioned drivers to avoid Memorial Causeway.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission will investigate the crash.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of maritime safety and the need for responsible boating practices. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the cause of the accident and to locate the boat that fled the scene. The community is urged to cooperate with the investigation and to provide any information that may be helpful in determining the circumstances surrounding the crash.
FAQs
Q: What happened in the incident?
A: A boat crashed into a ferry off the Memorial Causeway Bridge, resulting in at least one death and several injuries.
Q: How many people were on the ferry?
A: The ferry was carrying more than 40 people.
Q: What is the status of the investigation?
A: The U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission are investigating the crash.
Q: What is being done to locate the boat that fled the scene?
A: Authorities believe that law enforcement partners may have located the boat, but no further information is available at this time.
Q: How can the community help with the investigation?
A: The community is urged to cooperate with the investigation and to provide any information that may be helpful in determining the circumstances surrounding the crash.
