A tragic boating incident occurred in Clearwater, Florida, on Sunday night, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The Clearwater Ferry, which was carrying 45 passengers, was struck by a boat that subsequently fled the scene, according to city officials. After the collision, the ferry came to a halt on a sandbar under the Memorial Causeway bridge.
The victim succumbed to injuries sustained during the collision, while details regarding the number of injured passengers were initially unclear. Clearwater Police spokesperson Rob Shaw reported that all injured individuals were passengers and confirmed that they were safely removed from the ferry. Two passengers with serious injuries were airlifted to hospitals—one with a femur fracture and another with unspecified injuries.
Due to the significant number of injuries, the Clearwater Fire Department designated the incident as a “mass casualty event.” Investigators are presently examining the wreckage, and law enforcement believes the fleeing boat has been identified. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will lead the ongoing investigation, with Clearwater police supported by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the Coast Guard.
Authorities are still working to confirm the whereabouts of all individuals on board the ferry, with a belief that all have been accounted for. A spokesperson for the Clearwater Ferry acknowledged the accident but declined to comment further, citing the active investigation.
This incident underscores the potential dangers of recreational boating and the urgency of ensuring safety protocols are observed on the water. Clearwater is located approximately 23 miles northwest of St. Petersburg.
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