Tragedy struck near Clearwater Beach on Sunday night when a private recreational boat collided with a Clearwater Ferry, leaving at least one person dead and several others injured.
The Police Department reported that the ferry, which was carrying 45 people, including two crew members, was struck by a smaller boat that fled the scene immediately after the crash.
Authorities said six individuals were categorised as “trauma alerts,” indicating serious injuries. Two of the most critically hurt were airlifted by helicopter to local hospitals. The exact number of total injuries has not yet been released.
Officials react to Clearwater incident
According to officials, the ferry ultimately came to rest on a sandbar just south of the Clearwater Memorial Causeway bridge, a vital link between Clearwater and Clearwater Beach. Rescue operations were swift, and all passengers, including those who were injured, were safely evacuated from the vessel.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that the private boat, carrying six people at the time of the collision, has been identified. Investigations into the crash are ongoing, and officials have not yet released information regarding potential charges or further actions against the operator of the fleeing vessel.
City officials and the Clearwater Fire Department praised the rapid response of first responders and vowed to keep the public informed as more details emerge.
“This was a tragic and chaotic event,” a city spokesperson said late Sunday night. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.”
The Clearwater community remains in shock as authorities continue piecing together the full scope of the incident.
