Crime
Hit and run on water: At least 1 dead, several hospitalized after ferry struck by another boat in Clearwater
Clearwater, Fla. — Authorities confirm that at least one person has died and 12 others have been hospitalized following a collision involving the Clearwater Ferry on Sunday evening, April 27, 2025.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:43 p.m. near the Memorial Causeway Bridge.
According to officials, the Clearwater Ferry, carrying more than 40 passengers, was struck by another vessel, which subsequently fled the scene.
Due to the number and severity of injuries, the Clearwater Fire Department declared the incident a mass casualty event.
First responders from multiple agencies, including fire, police, and EMS, were dispatched immediately to the crash site.
Approximately 51 individuals were evaluated at the scene.
Of those, 12 were transported to local hospitals for further medical treatment.
Six patients were designated as trauma alerts, with two airlifted by helicopter to trauma centers.
Initial medical reports indicate several patients sustained broken bones and other serious injuries.
The ferry came to rest on a sandbar just south of the Memorial Causeway Bridge.
All passengers have been safely evacuated from the vessel.
No passengers are currently reported missing.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are leading the crash investigation.
Authorities have located the second vessel involved — a recreational boat — and its occupants are undergoing medical evaluation at the Belleair Boat Ramp, approximately 3.75 miles south of the crash site.
Clearwater officials released updated photos of the crash scene late Sunday night, confirming that all injuries originated from the ferry.
The identity of the deceased individual has not yet been publicly released, pending next-of-kin notification.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as agencies gather more information.
The Clearwater Police Department has asked anyone with information about the incident or who may have witnessed the collision to contact authorities immediately.
Memphis, Tenn. — A night of socializing turned violent late Saturday when a shooting at a popular restaurant in Parkway Village left one person dead and seven others injured, authorities confirm.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. near the intersection of Perkins Road and Cottonwood Road, adjacent to a Sonic Drive-In, outside a local restaurant known as the Mexican Spot.
According to preliminary reports, a group of Hispanic friends had been gathering at the establishment, drinking and socializing, when an argument escalated into gunfire both inside and outside the venue.
Witnesses, including a security guard at the scene, reported that multiple victims suffered various gunshot wounds:
- One individual was shot in the neck.
- Another victim sustained gunshot wounds to the face and chest.
- A third was struck in the ribs.
- A bystander, who was not involved in the altercation, was shot in the leg.
Emergency medical services responded quickly, transporting several victims to nearby hospitals.
One victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The conditions of the surviving victims have not been fully disclosed, but several are reported to be in critical condition.
The Memphis Police Department is actively investigating the shooting.
No information on potential suspects has been released at this time, and investigators are working to determine whether additional individuals were involved.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation.
This is a developing story.
Updates will be provided as more details become available.