Authorities have declared a “mass casualty incident” following a serious accident off the coast of Florida. Around 8:30 PM local time on April 27, 2025, a privately owned boat collided with a ferry near the Memorial Causeway, an important bridge connecting Clearwater Beach to downtown Clearwater. The ferry was reportedly carrying up to 50 passengers at the time of the crash. The Clearwater Police Department quickly responded, confirming multiple injuries and activating trauma protocols. “Along with @clearwaterfire, we’re working a boat crash off the Memorial Causeway bridge that has resulted in multiple injuries,” the department stated on social media. Due to the number of people needing immediate medical attention, fire officials classified the situation as a mass casualty incident. Nearby hospitals were alerted, and multiple trauma alerts were issued, including airlifts for the most critically injured.
Confirmed Casualties and Injuries
Tragically, one person has been confirmed dead following the incident. Law enforcement officials provided an update shortly after the crash: “One person has died from injuries in tonight’s boat crash. @MyFWC will be handing the crash investigation.”
In addition to the fatality, several others suffered serious injuries. Six individuals were identified as trauma alerts, meaning they sustained life-threatening or very serious injuries requiring urgent specialized care. Among these six, two were in such critical condition that they were transported to local hospitals via helicopter. All of the injured individuals were on board the ferry at the time of the crash. Fortunately, no injuries from the privately owned boat have been reported so far, though details remain under investigation.
Emergency Response and Hospitalizations
The incident sparked an extensive rescue operation involving fire, police, and emergency medical services. Rescue boats and helicopters were deployed quickly to transport the injured to hospitals. Four of the seriously injured patients were taken to Morton Plant Hospital, located just minutes from the Memorial Causeway. Two female patients, facing particularly critical injuries, were transferred to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg, a facility equipped with a Level II trauma center capable of handling major emergencies. Another patient was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, known for its trauma services.
Search for the Boat Driver
In the immediate aftermath, authorities reported that the driver of the boat that crashed into the ferry fled the scene. No arrests were made initially, and officials called upon the public to provide any information, including eyewitness accounts or video footage that might aid the investigation. Rob Shaw, Information Officer for the City of Clearwater, addressed the media: “We believe the boat responsible for hitting the ferry left the scene immediately. Our law enforcement partners are currently at another location with that boat, but we are still asking anyone with information to come forward.”
Suspect Located by Authorities
Later developments indicated that authorities successfully located the boat and its driver a few miles away from the crash scene. A significant police presence surrounded a center console boat that matched the description of the one involved in the collision. The individual believed to be responsible has been found, although their identity has not yet been released publicly. Investigators from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have now taken over the case. The community remains shocked by the event, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. For now, the focus is on treating the injured, supporting affected families, and determining how such a tragic accident occurred.
Conclusion
The tragic ferry crash off Clearwater’s Memorial Causeway has left a community grieving and many families searching for answers. With one confirmed fatality and multiple serious injuries, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers on the water, even in familiar, well-traveled areas. Thanks to the swift response from emergency services and local hospitals, many lives were saved, but the investigation is far from over. Authorities are working diligently to uncover all the circumstances surrounding the crash and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. As Clearwater residents and visitors alike process the shock of the event, efforts to promote boating safety and prevent future tragedies will no doubt be a major focus in the days ahead.
