Clearwater Ferry Crash: Investigation Details and Witness Accounts

Deadly Boat Collision on Clearwater Ferry

• 💔 A boat crash involving the Clearwater Ferry resulted in one fatality and sent 10 individuals to the hospital.
• ⚠️ The incident occurred Sunday night near the Memorial Causeway Bridge when a recreational boat collided with the rear of the ferry.
• 🆘 Clearwater Fire Rescue treated the event as a mass casualty incident due to the number of victims.

Investigation Underway

• 🔍 The FWC is investigating the crash, with investigators speaking to the recreational boat driver who was reportedly cooperative.
• 📊 A voluntary breathalyzer test administered to the boat driver showed a zero blood alcohol reading.
• 🛠️ Investigators are using specialized equipment, including LAR and laser-guided tools, to map the damage and reconstruct the scene, which can prolong the investigation.
• ❓ It is currently unclear if the crash will be investigated as a hit and run, as the recreational boat left the scene.

Eyewitness Accounts and Scene Description

• 🚨 The first emergency call came from the US Coast Guard reporting a "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" due to the boat collision.
• 🌊 The recreational boat reportedly overrode nearly three-quarters of the ferry, throwing several people into the water.
• 🗣️ Witnesses who assisted in shallow waters described the chaos and the challenging rescue efforts in the nighttime conditions.
• 📝 Investigators are still working to determine the speed of the recreational boat at the time of the collision.