A deadly crash took one life and injured twelve more when a recreational boat sped into the Clearwater ferry in Clearwater, Florida, on Sunday night. The Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg was notified of the crash at approximately 8:40 p.m. The tragic crash that shocked both those enjoying a peaceful night and emergency officials.
The Clearwater Ferry Collision
The 40-foot ferry, operated by Dennis Kimerer, 64, had 45 people aboard when it was struck from behind by a 37-foot privately owned recreational watercraft, operated by Jeff Knight, 62, police said on Monday. Police footage shows the crash left the boats briefly entangled and the Clearwater ferry significantly damaged, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). After striking the ferry, the boat fled the scene, traveled to Belleair Boat Ramp, and was later found 3.5 miles south of the collision scene.
Before first responders arrived at the scene, they knew they were dealing with a “major situation” because 911 operators described hearing “horrific screaming in the background” as people called in for help, Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy said.
Leisure Turns To Loss
The man who was killed has been identified as 41-year-old Jose Castro, a father of two, who enjoyed relaxing on the Clearwater ferry after long days at work as a U.S. Postal Service worker. Clearwater Police Chief Eric Ganday responded to the loss: “Our thoughts go out to the families of those that were onboard the ferry, particularly of the children and the family of the gentleman who died.”
Ten others were transported to hospitals in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. Several people fell into the water post-impact, but emergency officials searched for and located all the victims. The surviving victims suffered injuries, including broken bones, officials said Monday.
No children were injured in the crash. The crash was initially declared a mass casualty event because the injured outnumbered the first responders, but “Efforts of a ferry crew member likely saved lives last night.”
FWC has seized both the Clearwater ferry and the recreational boat. Authorities are working with the state attorney’s office to determine if the incident should be categorized as a hit-and-run, officials said. No one has been taken into custody.
