Clearwater Memorial Causeway Fatal Boat Collision – What Victims Need to Know

A deadly boat crash took place over the weekend close to the Clearwater Memorial Causeway. According to early reports, a recreational powerboat traveling at high speeds struck a Clearwater Ferry, leading to multiple severe injuries and one fatality.

The tragic crash shows how horribly things can go wrong when a boat operator is negligent or reckless. Victims and their loved ones need to know their rights following this type of accident, including their potential ability to file a claim against those responsible for their losses.

Facts on the accident

At about 8:43 p.m. on April 27, 2025, a 38-foot recreational power boat was traveling at high speeds when it ran over a Clearwater Ferry transporting 45 passengers and two crew members. While some initial witness accounts referred to the recreational powerboat as a yacht, it was actually a large triple-engine center console boat, which is capable of traveling at very high rates of speed. The ferry was a pontoon boat rather than a traditional ferry.

One passenger on the ferry described the other boat as striking close to the rear of the vessel he was traveling on, near the location where the captain sits. The captain “was pinned down with his console and ended up being knocked over by the yacht that came in,” he said.

The crash took place near the Clearwater Memorial Causeway in Clearwater, FL. The operator of the recreational boat fled, but the authorities located the vessel near the Belleair Boat Ramp about 3.75 miles south of the crash site. Reports do not state whether they have identified the person operating that boat at the time of the crash or the owner of the vessel.

Victims of the crash

Emergency responders arrived on the scene and transported 12 people to the hospital. Six of those injured were declared trauma alerts. Many of the injuries included head trauma and broken bones. One person was declared dead at the scene, and the US Coast Guard recovered the body. It’s not yet clear which boat the deceased person had been aboard.

Rescue efforts included two air transport units and ten ground ambulances. The aftermath of the scene was extremely complex, causing delays in further updates.

Additionally, some Good Samaritans in the area used their boats to help pick up some of the ferry’s passengers after the crash. It took time to account for everyone who had been on the charter boat’s manifest, but the authorities say they have found all passengers and crew members.

Investigation and challenges

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is leading the investigations into the crash. Investigators may face several challenges, including the complexity of determining liability in a crash where one of the operators fled the scene. Multiple agencies will also be coordinating in the effort to investigate the deadly crash.

Florida boat accident statistics

More boat accidents happen in Florida than in any other state in the nation. In 2022, the state reported 735 boat accidents, resulting in 65 deaths. Inexperience among boat operators was a leading cause of these crashes, with inattention and improper lookouts contributing to many of these tragedies.

Why hiring a board-certified admiralty and maritime law attorney matters

Maritime law is a specialized field, and to be effective, attorneys handling cases involving boat accidents must have experience with the specific federal and international laws that may impact these cases, as well as Florida state laws. Just one in 20 attorneys in Florida has a board certification from the state. Attorney John H. (Jack) Hickey is double certified in Admiralty and Maritime Law and Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar. He is also board-certified in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Contact Hickey Law Firm Accident and Injury Trial Lawyers

If you suffered injuries in a boat accident, you need to speak to an attorney. Your lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options for potentially recovering compensation for your losses. Medical bills and other costs related to severe boating accident injuries can quickly add up. Pursuing a claim against those responsible for the injuries gives you an opportunity to collect damages that could cover many of those losses and compensate for your pain and suffering. In the event of a tragic, fatal boat crash, our attorneys can explain your potential options for filing a wrongful death claim.

At Hickey Law Firm Accident and Injury Trial Lawyers, we represent the victims of boating and other maritime accidents. Our team offers free consultations to prospective clients, and we only get paid if we’re successful. Call us or fill out our contact form today to speak to one of our experienced maritime and admiralty lawyers.