1 dead after Florida ferry packed with passengers struck by boat in hit-and-run: ‘Mass casualty incident’

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One person is dead after a boat ran into a ferry packed with passengers in Clearwater, Florida, on Sunday, prompting a “mass casualty incident.”

The Clearwater Ferry, a method of transportation from downtown Clearwater to Clearwater Beach, had approximately 45 people on board when it was struck by a recreational boat at around 8:40 p.m. on Sunday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The crash, which left one person dead, took place near the Memorial Causeway bridge, according to Clearwater police.

The City of Clearwater said six passengers 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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All injuries came from passengers on the ferry, police said.

The boat that hit the ferry fled the scene, but was later identified by another law enforcement agency, according to the City of Clearwater. Further details on that boat have not been provided.

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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.

After the ferry was hit, police said it came to a rest on a sandbar south of the bridge.

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The U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are investigating the crash.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.