On the evening of April 27, 2025, a severe collision between the Clearwater Ferry and a privately owned recreational boat near the Memorial Causeway Bridge in Clearwater, Florida, resulted in a mass casualty event. The ferry, carrying over 40 passengers returning from the Sugar Sand Festival, was struck by the other vessel, which fled the scene. Emergency responders quickly classified the incident as a mass casualty incident, treating multiple injuries including six trauma alerts, with two patients airlifted to Baycare Health. Authorities have launched an ongoing investigation and are searching for the hit-and-run boat, while urging the public to avoid the area during the response effort.
Details of the Incident
On the evening of April 27, 2025, the Clearwater Ferry was involved in a serious collision with a privately owned recreational boat near the Memorial Causeway Bridge in Clearwater, Florida. At the time, the ferry was transporting more than 40 passengers returning from the Sugar Sand Festival. According to witnesses and initial reports, the recreational boat struck the ferry and immediately fled the scene, prompting authorities to classify the situation as a hit-and-run.
Emergency Response and Medical Assistance
Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene and declared the situation a mass casualty event due to the number and severity of injuries sustained. Medical personnel administered treatment to multiple individuals, including six patients who were designated as trauma alerts requiring urgent care. Two of these critically injured patients were airlifted to Baycare Health for advanced medical treatment. Local hospitals have been put on alert, and resources have been mobilized to manage the influx of casualties.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Measures
Law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation to identify and locate the operator of the hit-and-run boat. Authorities are combing through local surveillance footage, witness statements, and marine traffic data as part of their search efforts. In addition, the Florida Department of Transportation and local law enforcement have urged the public to avoid the immediate area around the Memorial Causeway Bridge to facilitate emergency operations and ensure safety during the recovery and investigation process.
Community Impact and Official Statements
The incident has caused significant disruption to local transportation and raised concerns about marine safety in the region. Officials emphasize the seriousness of the collision and express their commitment to holding those responsible accountable. Clearwater city officials and emergency management representatives have pledged continued support for the victims and their families as well as swift action in the investigation.
Background Context
The Sugar Sand Festival, a popular annual event attracting thousands of attendees, had concluded earlier that evening, contributing to the high number of passengers aboard the ferry. The Memorial Causeway Bridge is a key transportation route in Clearwater, which underscores the critical nature of this incident both in terms of regional traffic and public safety on the water.
The collision between the Clearwater Ferry and a privately owned recreational boat on April 27, 2025, stands as a significant public safety incident with multiple injuries and ongoing legal implications. Emergency services responded swiftly to a complex mass casualty situation, providing urgent medical care to those affected, while investigations continue to locate the responsible party. The incident has underscored the need for heightened vigilance in marine traffic management around critical infrastructure like the Memorial Causeway Bridge. Local authorities remain actively engaged in the response and recovery efforts, with a commitment to ensuring accountability and supporting the community through this challenging event.