The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority has reached a proposed $300,000 settlement to resolve 37 injury claims stemming from the 2025 Clearwater Ferry crash and to end the agency’s role in the litigation, pending board approval.
The Finance Committee will consider the agreement Wednesday. If approved, claimants could continue pursuing other parties, including the driver of the recreational boat involved in the collision.
The collision occurred April 27, 2025, when a recreational boat struck the Clearwater Ferry from behind as it carried 45 passengers from Clearwater Beach to Coachman Park following the Sugar Sand Festival. One person died, officers later located the recreational vessel about 3.5 miles from the scene, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission opened the investigation.
The crash prompted PSTA to hire specialized maritime counsel after receiving 37 injury claims. The board approved up to $500,000 for legal representation in March, and staff said the agency has incurred just over $200,000 in legal fees. With the proposed settlement, PSTA’s total costs would reach about $500,000, all within established claim reserves. Clearwater Ferry Services, which operates the ferry for PSTA, has been regularly reimbursing those expenses, according to the agenda.
If the Finance Committee recommends approval, the agreement will advance to the full PSTA board for final consideration.
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