Ferry Collision in Clearwater Sparks Mass Casualty Response

In Clearwater, Florida, first responders initiated a mass casualty response Sunday night following a collision involving a recreational ferry and another boat that subsequently fled the scene. The incident raised significant alarm among local authorities, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.

The Clearwater Police Department reported that at the time of the accident, the Clearwater Ferry was carrying over 40 passengers. The collision occurred in proximity to the Memorial Causeway Bridge, highlighting a busy waterway typically frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Although the precise tally of injuries remains undisclosed, police confirmed that all injuries were sustained by passengers on the ferry. Among those affected, two individuals were classified as seriously injured and were airlifted to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.

By 10:30 p.m. local time, first responders had successfully evacuated all passengers and patients from the ferry. The presence of multiple emergency services underscored the critical nature of the event.

According to statements from Clearwater police, the fire department declared the incident a mass casualty event due to the number of injuries reported. As a result, notifications were promptly dispatched to all local hospitals. Furthermore, multiple trauma alerts were activated, leading to helicopters transporting the seriously injured individuals.

Authorities encouraged drivers to avoid the area surrounding Memorial Causeway to facilitate the emergency response. Such advice was crucial for ensuring that emergency vehicles could navigate the scene unimpeded.

After the collision, the ferry came to a stop on a sandbar located south of the bridge. This position presented additional challenges for first responders as they worked to assess the situation and provide necessary medical assistance.

Currently, details regarding the boat that fled the scene remain limited. Clearwater police are actively investigating the situation to identify the vessel and its operator, aiming to gather crucial information that could lead to accountability for the incident.

This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for further updates as details become available.