Crash footage captures instance when boat collides with Florida ferry, resulting in one fatality and ten injuries.
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Troubling footage emerges showing the horrific crash of a recreational boat plowing into the rear of a ferry in Clearwater, Florida. The tragedy left one individual dead and 10 others injured. The collision took place around 8:40 p.m. on a Sunday as the ferry was returning from a trip to Clearwater Beach, carrying 45 passengers and crew members.
Police Chief Eric Gandy addressed the incident, stating that the boat seems to have "ridden nearly three-quarters of the ferry." The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission added that both vessels became entangled during the crash, and the ferry sustained substantial damage. The recreational boat was 37 feet long, carrying approximately six people onboard, as per the commission.
First responders arrived on the scene, fully aware they faced a dire situation. 911 operators received calls describing “terrifying screams” from the panicking passengers demanding help. In a Mayday call, an individual reported the collision: "Mayday, mayday, mayday. There's been a boat collision. The Clearwater Ferry underneath the Clearwater Memorial Causeway. The Clearwater Ferry is adrift."
Authorities identified the deceased victim as Jose Castro, 41, of Palm Harbor. Injured victims were transported to hospitals in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa.
"Our thoughts go out to the families of those onboard the ferry, particularly the children and family of the man who perished," Chief Gandy stated, praising the ferry crew for likely saving lives.
The operator, Jeff Knight, 63, is still under investigation, with allegations suggesting he fled the scene. However, Knight's attorney, J. Kevin Hayslett, disputes this claim. He revealed that Knight continued to speak with 911 operators for nearly 12 minutes, tied his boat to the ferry to stabilize it, and aided in maneuvering the ferry closer to shore to help rescue efforts.
The attorney asserted that Knight even offered to transport passengers but was declined. Knight's boat was eventually towed to its destination following the incident, according to Hayslett. He encourages authorities to preserve evidence, including video footage, radio communication, and latitude and longitude data for both vessels.
Hayslett raised concerns about the ferry’s required nighttime navigational lighting, stating that a necessary stern light might not have been functioning, and suggests distractions were present on the ferry due to a dolphin sighting.
As of late Tuesday, neither Clearwater Police nor the Clearwater Ferry responded to requests for comment on Hayslett's allegations. The ongoing investigation continues, with no charges filed as of April 29, 2025.
The recreational boat that collided with a ferry in Clearwater, Florida may have been operated by Jeff Knight, who is currently under investigation. Knight's attorney, J. Kevin Hayslett, claims Knight stayed at the scene, spoke with 911 operators, tied his boat to the damaged ferry, and offered to transport passengers, but was declined.
The investigation into the boat collision happened after the incident left one individual, Jose Castro, dead and 10 others injured. First responders, upon arrival, heard terrifying screams from the panicking passengers and received a Mayday call describing the collision.
In addition to this marine accident, it's worth noting that recent general news has been filled with reports of car-accidents and sports incidents. These incidents serve as reminders of the importance of safety measures in various settings, from the water to the road.
