A tragic maritime accident occurred on Sunday night near the Memorial Causeway Bridge in Clearwater, Florida, resulting in one fatality and injuries to a dozen others. The calamity unfolded when a boat collided with the Clearwater ferry, as confirmed by both local and federal authorities.
The distress call was made at approximately 8:40 p.m. by a ferry crew member via VHF-FM channel 16. They reported that the ferry had been struck by a vessel, causing injuries to those on board. Rescue teams from the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Clearwater Police Department, local fire departments, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) promptly responded, according to an official statement from the USCG.
Preliminary reports indicate that there were 45 passengers on the ferry at the time of the incident, while the boat carried six individuals. All passengers were evacuated, but sadly, one person succumbed to their injuries, and 12 others were transported to nearby hospitals, with some requiring airlift by helicopter.
Investigation and Response Efforts
The collision caused the ferry to become stranded on a sandbar south of the bridge. The Clearwater Fire Department classified the event as a "mass casualty incident," triggering an alert for all regional hospitals, as explained by local police.
A key aspect of the investigation is the revelation that the boat fled the scene post-collision. However, the vessel was later found and identified, though details about its occupants and potential charges have not been disclosed.
In a statement, Commander Fredrick Pugh, Chief of Response for Sector St. Petersburg, extended condolences to the bereaved family. He emphasized that the USCG and FWC investigative officers are diligently working to uncover the causes of the collision and verify pre-incident details.
Eyewitness Accounts and Community Response
The USCG highlighted the swift coordination among federal, state, and local agencies as crucial in handling this dynamic situation. Videos released by the Clearwater Police Department captured the incident from a camera located in Coachman Park, overlooking the park and marina areas.
Steven Whitehurst, a ferry passenger, described the impact moment as "devastating," noting that the boat appeared and vanished within seconds. Speaking with local media outlet WFLA-TampaToday, he recounted witnessing people with broken limbs and a woman trapped beneath the boat when it landed on the ferry. Whitehurst added that after the collision, an adrenaline rush prompted him and other passengers to aid the injured swiftly, saying, "People came together so fast... it was like we were a team."
The investigation into the accident's causes continues under the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), with the Coast Guard's assistance.
Understanding the Clearwater Maritime Accident
What caused the collision between the boat and the ferry in Clearwater?
The exact cause of the collision is still under investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
Were any charges filed against the boat's occupants?
As of now, authorities have not disclosed any details about charges against the boat's occupants.
How many people were affected by the Clearwater ferry accident?
The accident affected a total of 51 people: 45 on the ferry and 6 on the boat, resulting in one fatality and 12 injuries.