Speeding Vessel Slams Into Ferry Off Clearwater Bridge, Killing 1 & Injuring 12

A tragic crash occurred on the waters of Clearwater, Florida, on April 27, 2025, when a private boat struck the Clearwater Ferry from behind, killing one man and injuring a dozen others.

Clearwater police confirmed on Monday that the victim, identified as Jose Castro, aged 41, from Palm Harbor, Florida, died in the collision.

Authorities reported that all 12 injured individuals were passengers or crew members aboard the ferry.

According to BayCare Health System, a total of nine people were taken to three local hospitals. By Monday (April 28), all except one had been treated and sent home.

At the time of the crash, 45 people, including two crew members, were onboard the 40-foot ferry, which was being operated by Dennis Kimerer, aged 64.

The ferry was hit from behind by a 37-foot privately owned recreational boat, operated by Jeff Knight, aged 62, according to police.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported that the boat left the scene after the collision and later arrived at the Belleair Boat Ramp. It was subsequently located by a responding agency.

Video Credits: ABC Action News/YouTube

The crash occurred near the Memorial Causeway Bridge around 8:40 pm, as reported by Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg on social media.

A ferry crew member used VHF-FM Channel 16 to alert the Coast Guard, stating that the ferry had been struck and that there were multiple injuries.

Officials stated that there was a moment during the crash when both vessels were entangled.

After the crash, the ferry drifted and came to rest on a sandbar just south of the bridge. This allowed first responders and emergency teams to safely evacuate all passengers.

One passenger who was onboard with his 31-week pregnant wife and children told local news that they were enjoying the ride when they suddenly heard the ferry crew shouting for attention.

He said they looked back and saw a large yacht-like vessel crashing into the ferry from behind.

According to the police, the recreational boat had six people onboard, and none of them were injured.

The boat’s captain was said to be cooperative during the investigation and passed a breathalyser test, showing no presence of alcohol.

As of now, no one has been arrested, and the authorities are working with the state attorney’s office to determine whether charges should be filed or if the case qualifies as a hit and run on water.

Clearwater Fire Department declared the situation a mass casualty incident due to the number and severity of injuries. Officials confirmed that at least two victims were seriously hurt.

Video footage released by police on Monday showed the private boat rapidly approaching the ferry before crashing into it.

An emergency call was also shared, capturing a voice urgently saying, Mayday, mayday, mayday! There’s been a boat collision.”

Click to hear the recording of the mayday hail https://www.dvidshub.net/audio/86144/coast-guard-partner-agencies-respond-ferry-crash-off-clearwater-bridge

Clearwater city officials urged the public and any witnesses to share information that might help the ongoing investigation.

In a press statement, Coast Guard Commander Fredrick Pugh, Chief of Response at Sector St. Petersburg, extended condolences to the family of the deceased and confirmed that their investigative officers and FWC are working to determine the circumstances that led to the incident.

The ferry company also issued a statement saying they are heartbroken by the loss of life and are fully cooperating with authorities. They expressed gratitude for the emergency responders who acted swiftly to help everyone on board.

The crash occurred on the final day of a local sand sculpture festival, a popular event in the Clearwater area, which sits on Florida’s west coast near Tampa and St Petersburg.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is now the lead agency in charge of investigating the crash, with support from the USCG, Clearwater Police and Fire Department.

Reference: USCG

Source: Maritime Shipping News