People Keep Dying in Tampa Boating Accidents

Over the past few months, multiple boating accidents in the Tampa Bay area have proven fatal. Perhaps the most notable incident was the Clearwater Ferry Crash, which claimed one life. However, other recent accidents show that this is not an isolated issue – and serious questions have been raised about safety on the waters of Tampa Bay. What can you do if a negligent boater injured you or someone you care about? Could a personal injury attorney in Tampa help you pursue compensation?

Negligent Boater Faces Consequences for Clearwater Ferry Crash

 In April of 2025, a 62-year-old crashed his boat into a Clearwater ferry transporting 44 people near the Memorial Causeway bridge. The crash killed one individual and injured six people. Two of those injured individuals had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital. The boater in question fled from the wreckage. According to local authorities, he later told deputies that his boat was sinking – but there remains little evidence to support this claim. Passengers on board told authorities that when they tried to call 911, the defendant told them to hang up.

Initially, this defendant faced only personal injury lawsuits from the victims and their families. Six injured passengers have decided to sue the boater and his company. However, this changed later in July of 2025, when authorities announced criminal charges against the man.

Law enforcement located the defendant in the Bahamas and had him flown back to Tampa for his formal arrest. He now faces eight counts of felony leaving the scene of a boating accident causing death or serious injury. In addition, he faces various misdemeanors for causing the crash. Survivors of this incident will likely feel encouraged about the fact that this individual faces both civil and criminal consequences.

Two Children Die in South Florida Boating Accident

 Another notable incident occurred in July of 2025 when a boating accident claimed the lives of two children in South Florida. Again, this incident involved a collision – this time between a summer-camp sailboat and a large barge. The latter vessel was filled with children, and many suffered severe injuries in addition to those killed. Authorities say the barge went over the top of the sailboat, likely crushing the children underneath its weight. Independent experts say that the sailboat likely had the right of way.

Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in Tampa After a Boating Accident? 

It may be possible to sue negligent boaters after suffering injuries on the waters of Tampa Bay. These negligent individuals may become liable for your damages, including medical expenses and missed earnings. To learn more about the possibilities, consider speaking with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Tampa. Choose Anderson & Anderson, and begin the conversation today.

Sources:

 abcactionnews.com/news/region-pinellas/more-lawsuits-are-filed-against-jeff-knight-following-clearwater-ferry-crash#:~:text=The%20crash%20left%20one%20dead,damages%20in%20excess%20of%20%2450%2C000.

tampabay.com/news/breaking-news/2025/07/28/biscayne-bay-sailboat-crash-miami-beach-barge/

tampabay.com/news/breaking-news/2025/07/28/biscayne-bay-sailboat-crash-miami-beach-barge/