After Fatal Crash, FL Ferry Resumes Service To Beach Destination

CLEARWATER, FL — More than a week after a fatal crash that left one passenger on the Clearwater Ferry dead and injured at least 10 others, the ferry will resume operation between downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach on Thursday, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority said in a news release.

The ferry’s operators and the U.S. Coast Guard has performed safety inspections of the boats and determined service is ready to resume.

Jose Castro, a 41-year-old U.S. postal worker from Palm Harbor and father to two young girls, was killed on April 27 when a private boat slammed into the back of the Clearwater Ferry, which he was on.

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Jannus Live owner Jeffrey Knight was the driver of the recreational boat that slammed into the ferry. He left the scene shortly after the crash, claiming that his boat was taking on water.

He went to the Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp, about 3.5 miles away, where he was contacted by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

“The Clearwater Ferry team and the Pinellas Suncoast Transity Authority … continue to be heartbroken for the people involved in the collision on April 27, including Jose Castro, who lost his life, the people who were hurt, and the families,” the PSTA said in a news release. “They reiterate their deep gratitude for the first responders, crew members and other boaters who helped during the tragic event.”

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and the ferry and PSTA are cooperating with authorities, the PSTA said.

Starting Thursday, ferry service will be provided by the vessel Monica’s Crossing, which wasn’t involved in the crash.

The ferry will maintain the same destinations and similar hours, operating Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. between the Clearwater Beach Marina and downtown Clearwater.