A speedboat crashed into a ferry in Florida, killing one person and injuring ten others.

Dramatic footage shows the terrifying moment the recreational watercraft slammed into the back of the vessel.

The crash occurred around 8:40 pm on Sunday, April 27, as the 40ft commercial ferry was returning from Clearwater Beach with 45 people onboard.

Authorities said the 37ft speedboat was carrying six individuals.

Police Chief Eric Gandy reported that the boat 'overrode nearly three-quarters of the ferry', and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed both vessels were fully entangled.

The man who died was identified as Jose Castro, 41, of Palm Harbor. The ten injured were transported to hospitals in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa.

The boat's operator, Jeff Knight, 63, voluntarily submitted to a blood alcohol test, which came back negative.

Knight's lawyer, J. Kevin Hayslett, denied reports that Knight fled the scene. He claimed Knight remained there, called 911, helped stabilize the ferry by tying his boat to it, and used his vessel to tow the ferry closer to shore to aid rescue efforts.

Hayslett also suggested the ferry may not have had the required navigational lights and claimed witnesses saw the ferry's captain and passengers distracted by dolphins.

The investigation remains ongoing.