CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — Clearwater police are expected to release new details surrounding Sunday’s deadly hit-and-run crash between a ferry and recreational boat.
The news conference can be viewed live in the video player above.
Police were called to the Clearwater Memorial Causeway Bridge at 8:43 p.m. Video from a nearby City of Clearwater streaming webcam showed a boat colliding with the stern of the ferry as it sailed by the bridge.
“Mayday, mayday, mayday! There’s been a boat collision. The Clearwater ferry, underneath the Clearwater Memorial Causeway. The Clearwater ferry is adrift,” mayday transmission audio released by the Coast Guard said.
45 people were onboard the ferry. One person died in the collision and at least six others were hurt, according to Clearwater police.
“We are heartbroken for the person who lost their life, everyone who was hurt, and their families,” a statement from PSTA said. “We deeply appreciate the dedication of the first responders and others who rushed to help Sunday night. We are cooperating with the investigation. Safety is the top priority for PSTA and the Clearwater Ferry.”
The other vessel involved in the crash left the area, police said. It was located later that evening. There is no word yet on if anyone has been charged in connection to the incident.
The cause of the collision remained under investigation on Monday.
This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
