Adrian
CLEARWATER, FL — First responders in Clearwater, Florida, declared a mass casualty incident Sunday evening after a recreational ferry carrying dozens of passengers was struck by another boat, which fled the scene. The incident occurred near the Memorial Causeway Bridge, according to the Clearwater Police Department.
The Clearwater Ferry had more than 40 passengers onboard when the collision took place. While the exact number of injuries remains unclear, authorities confirmed that all injuries were sustained by ferry passengers. The City of Clearwater reported that six patients were classified as trauma alerts, with two in serious condition. The critically injured were airlifted to local hospitals by helicopter.
As of 10:30 p.m. local time, all passengers and patients had been removed from the ferry. Officials do not believe anyone is missing from the vessel, as stated in a post on X by the City of Clearwater.
Emergency services have mobilized extensively, with multiple trauma alerts issued and local hospitals placed on standby. Drivers are urged to avoid the Memorial Causeway area as investigations continue.
Authorities reported that the ferry came to rest on a sandbar south of the bridge after the collision. Details about the striking boat, which fled the scene, remain scarce as the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lead the investigation.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Sources:
[Clearwater Police Department](https://twitter.com/ClearwaterPD)
[City of Clearwater](https://twitter.com/MyClearwater)
[U.S. Coast Guard](https://www.uscg.mil/)
[Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission](https://myfwc.com/)
