New video shows the moment of impact in a fatal boat crash in Florida … and audio reveals the distressing “mayday” calls.
Footage released Monday shows the Clearwater Ferry chugging along in the waters near the Clearwater Memorial Causeway Bridge when a recreational vessel comes racing into frame … crashing into the ferry from behind.
City Of Clearwater
The recreational boat appears to override the ferry … almost like a monster truck driving over cars and crushing them underneath.
Clearwater Police say 911 dispatchers heard reports of “horrific screaming” … and the Coast Guard released audio of a controller shouting “Mayday, mayday, mayday, there’s been a boat collision!!!”
One person died in the crash, but they have not been identified. The ferry had 45 passengers on board … and there were six people on the recreational boat.
Florida Fish and Wildlife says the recreational boat was 37 feet long, and the ferry is 40 feet long … and investigators say the rec boat went to a boat ramp, and the driver cooperated with authorities, taking a breathalyzer test with 0.0 BAC result — no alcohol.
