(MIAMI) — U.S. Coast Guard Station Sand Key and partner agency crews responded to a collision involving the Clearwater Ferry and a recreational boat April 27 off Clearwater Memorial Causeway Bridge. One passenger on the ferry was killed and 12 people were transported to local hospitals for care.
A Clearwater Ferry crewmember hailed the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 at approximately 8:40 p.m., reporting the ferry was hit by a recreational vessel and there were reported injuries.
“We’d like to offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the deceased,” said Cmdr. Fredrick Pugh, chief of response, Sector St. Petersburg. “Coast Guard investigative officers and FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) are working to determine the cause of the collision and verify the details leading up to the incident.”
There were reportedly 45 people on the ferry and six people on the recreational vessel.
Rescue crew included personnel from Station Sand Key, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Clearwater Police Department and the Clearwater Fire Department.
The cause of the collision is under investigation by the Coast Guard and FWC.
– U.S. Coast Guard
