First responders in Clearwater, Florida, declared a “mass casualty incident” Sunday night after a recreational ferry carrying dozens of passengers was struck by a boat, which fled the scene.
The Clearwater Police Department said the Clearwater Ferry had more than 40 people onboard when it was struck by another boat near the Memorial Causeway Bridge. The exact number of injuries is unclear, but police said all injuries came from passengers on the ferry.
The City of Clearwater said six patients were declared “trauma alerts.” Police described two of those as “seriously injured” and said they were taken to local hospitals by helicopter.
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Clearwater Police and Clearwater Fire and Rescue are on the scene of a boat crash near the Memorial Causeway Bridge, according to Clearwater police. (FOX 13 Tampa Bay)
As of 10:30 p.m. local time, first responders had removed all patients and passengers from the ferry.
“It is not believed that there is anyone reported missing from the ferry,” the city of Clearwater said on X.
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“It’s been declared a mass casualty incident by the fire department due to the number of injuries. All local hospitals have been notified. Multiple trauma alerts have been called with helicopters transporting two of the more seriously injured. Drivers should avoid Memorial Causeway,” Clearwater police said on X.
After it was hit, police said the ferry came to a rest on a sandbar south of the bridge.
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Details on the boat that fled after hitting the ferry are not yet available.
The U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are investigating the crash.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
