IAEP Members and Other First Responders Save Lives After Clearwater Ferry Crash

Members of IAEP Local R5-247 Pinellas County EMS provided life-saving care in the face of tragedy after a boat slammed into a passenger ferry near the Memorial Causeway Bridge in Clearwater, Florida on Sunday night. The accident resulted in one death and at least 12 other injuries.

Amidst the chaos, first responders- many of which were IAEP members- responded swiftly with professionalism and dedication.

The incident happened as the ferry was transporting 45 people, including two crew members, back to the mainland following the local Sugar Sand Festival. Witnesses described a terrifying scene, with injured passengers on board, sirens wailing, and helicopters arriving to airlift the most critically hurt. The situation was declared a mass-casualty event.

IAEP Local 247 EMTs and paramedics were among the first to arrive, with many quickly running to the scene without hesitation. They cared for multiple critically injured victims and coordinated urgent transports to surrounding area hospitals.

At least three people remain in critical condition, and emergency crews worked into the night treating other passengers. The privately-owned boat involved fled the scene but has since been identified by authorities. The Incident is currently being further investigated by U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

As the Clearwater community recovers from this tragic event, the IAEP recognizes and honors the courage and compassion of our first responder members who save lives under extraordinary events.