Tragedy struck on Sunday night in Clearwater, Florida, when a boat collided with the Clearwater Ferry carrying 45 passengers. According to a statement from the City of Clearwater, the boat fled the scene immediately after impact, leaving behind chaos and devastation.

The ferry, unable to continue its journey, came to a halt on a sandbar beneath the Memorial Causeway bridge.

Was Anyone Killed in the Collision?

Sadly, yes. One person died from injuries sustained in the crash. The city confirmed the fatality shortly after the incident, sending shockwaves through the Clearwater community.

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Officials have not yet released the identity of the deceased as they continue to notify family members.

How Many People Were Injured?

It’s still unclear exactly how many were injured in the collision.
Clearwater Police reported that all injured individuals were passengers on the ferry. Two of the more seriously hurt passengers had to be airlifted to hospitals for emergency treatment.

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An Orlando Health spokesperson confirmed that Bayfront Hospital received:

• One patient with a femur fracture.
• Another patient whose injuries were still being evaluated at the time of reporting.

Thankfully, all passengers were safely evacuated from the ferry following the crash.

What Happened to the Boat That Fled the Scene?

In a stunning development, law enforcement believes they have identified the boat responsible for the collision. According to Clearwater Police spokesperson Rob Shaw:

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“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.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has now taken over the investigation. They’re tasked with uncovering exactly what happened — and holding those responsible accountable.

How Did Authorities Respond to the Collision?

Rescue teams acted swiftly.
Once the ferry grounded on the sandbar, emergency crews rushed to remove all passengers. Two helicopters were dispatched to airlift the most critically injured to nearby hospitals, showing how serious the situation was.

Law enforcement and emergency responders praised the quick-thinking ferry crew for doing everything possible to stabilize the situation before help arrived.

What Happens Next in the Investigation?

With the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission leading the probe, officials will focus on:

• Confirming the identity of the fleeing boat and its operator.
• Understanding what caused the collision in the first place.
• Determining whether alcohol, speeding, or other violations were factors.

Charges could be filed depending on the findings, especially considering the hit-and-run nature of the incident.

What Is the Mood in Clearwater After the Ferry Collision?

The city of Clearwater is mourning after what should have been a routine ferry ride turned into a heartbreaking event.
Local residents expressed anger and sadness over the senselessness of the accident — and the cowardly act of fleeing the scene.

Many are also praising the quick response by Clearwater Police, fire rescue teams, and hospital staff who worked under immense pressure to save lives.