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.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.