Newly released audio of a mayday call captured the frantic moments in the aftermath of the deadly collision between a Florida ferry and a private boat Sunday night, which left one dead and 10 others injured.
“Mayday, mayday, mayday! There’s been a boat collision. The Clearwater ferry, underneath the Clearwater Memorial Causeway. The Clearwater ferry is adrift,” the unnamed caller announced to the US Coast Guard in the eight-second audio.
The water taxi, operated by PSTA and the Clearwater Ferry, was carrying 45 passengers onboard at the end of the 17-day Sugar Sand Festival.
The collision was quickly declared a “mass casualty incident” by authorities who recalled the “horrific screaming” from the background of 911 calls.
Jose Castro, 41, was identified as the ferry passenger killed in the collision.
Still, officials said the crash could have been worse.
A worker on the ferry was hailed a hero for his actions.
“Efforts of a ferry crew member likely saved lives last night,” Clearwater Police Chief Eric Ganday said Monday.
Officials also released footage of the deadly wreck.
A web camera set up in nearby Coachman Park picked up the water taxi traveling near the causeway at 8:43 p.m.
The 40-foot ferry was putting along when the private 37-foot boat raced into frame.
The stationary camera, overlooking a marina and the water, captured the moment of impact when the smaller boat landed on top of the ferry.
Ten passengers were left with injuries ranging from scrapes to broken bones and head wounds.
“We are heartbroken for the person who lost their life, everyone who was hurt, and their families. We deeply appreciate the dedication of the first responders and others who rushed to help Sunday night,” Clearwater Ferry wrote on Facebook.
The private boat, operated by Jeff Knight, immediately fled the scene, officials said.
Knight was found hours later, nearly four miles from the wreck.
He voluntarily submitted to a breathalyzer test, with police noting he had zero trace of alcohol in his system.
No charges have been filed yet as officials are working with prosecutors to determine the cause and aftermath of the crash.
“We are currently working with the state attorney’s office to make sure we fit whatever legal definitions for hit and run should or shouldn’t be, based on the circumstances that persisted that evening,” Florida Fish and Wildlife officials said.
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