One Dead, Several Injured in Florida Boat Collision with Ferry
CLEARWATER, Fla.—On Sunday, a collision between a boat and a ferry near the Memorial Causeway Bridge resulted in one fatality and several injuries. The boat reportedly fled the scene, according to authorities.
The Clearwater Police Department shared on X that numerous individuals were injured, prompting the Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department to classify the incident as a “mass casualty event” due to the high number of injuries.
All of the injured parties were on board the ferry, which was carrying over 40 people. Police have not released any details regarding the deceased individual.
The ferry settled on a sandbar just south of the Memorial Causeway Bridge, and all patients and passengers were safely evacuated.
Information about the fleeing boat has not been disclosed by police.
Authorities have yet to announce the total number of individuals injured.
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“All local hospitals have been alerted. Multiple trauma alerts have been issued, and helicopters are transporting two of the more critically injured,” the post stated.
Social media videos revealed first responders rushing to the scene with emergency lights activated.
The police advised drivers to avoid the Memorial Causeway area.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission will conduct an investigation into the crash.