Boat strikes Clearwater Ferry, leaves 1 dead, multiple hurt, police say | FOX 35 Orlando
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Boat strikes Clearwater Ferry, leaves 1 dead, multiple hurt, police say

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Published  April 27, 2025 11:25pm EDT
Florida
FOX 35 Orlando
Boat strikes Clearwater Ferry, leaves 1 dead

Boat strikes Clearwater Ferry, leaves 1 dead

Multiple people were transported to the hospital and one person died after a boat struck the Clearwater Ferry near the Memorial Causeway Bridge on Sunday night just before 8:45 p.m., according to Clearwater city officials.

The Brief

    • A recreational boat crashed into a ferry near Clearwater, Florida, on Sunday, killing one person and injuring at least 10 others. 
    • The ferry was returning from the Sugar Sand Festival, and the crash occurred without speed restrictions. 
    • Authorities are investigating the incident, but no charges have been filed yet.

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Multiple people were transported to the hospital and one person died after a boat struck the Clearwater Ferry near the Memorial Causeway Bridge on Sunday night, according to Clearwater city officials.

‘You never expect any of this to happen’

What we know:

A recreational boat crashed into a ferry carrying 45 people late Sunday off Clearwater, Florida, killing one person and injuring at least 10 others. 

The crash occurred in calm waters near the Memorial Causeway around 9 p.m. as people returned from the final day of the Sugar Sand Festival. All individuals on both vessels were accounted for, with some passengers suffering broken bones, head trauma, and soft-tissue injuries.

What we don't know:

It remains unclear whether charges will be filed against the operator of the recreational boat. While a breathalyzer test showed no alcohol impairment, authorities continue investigating. Officials have not yet detailed why the boat struck the ferry or whether speed or negligence played a role.

The backstory:

Sunday marked the end of the Sugar Sand Festival, a major 17-day event that draws large crowds to Clearwater Beach. The ferry was transporting passengers from the festivities when the recreational vessel collided into it from behind. Video evidence captured the yacht crashing into the ferry at dusk, highlighting the suddenness of the accident.

What they're saying:

The crash has raised safety concerns about boat traffic in areas without speed restrictions, especially during major public events. 

"We were just enjoying the ride and all of a sudden we heard the first mate yelling, ‘Hey hey hey,’" said ferry passenger Marco Vacheco.

"You never expect any of this to happen," said Brenda Alvarez, also on board with her children.

Clearwater officials stressed the importance of staying at the scene after accidents, as the recreational boat left the immediate area before being located by authorities a few miles away.

"When our crews first arrived, they found themselves in the water trying to rescue people," said Tony Tedesco, EMS chief for Clearwater Fire Rescue.

"Fish and wildlife officers would always recommend that if someone is involved in an accident, you remain at the scene," said Capt. Matthew Dallarosa of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Clearwater Police Department, FOX 13 Tampa, and a report by the Associated Press. 

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