Mass Casualty Incident Declared After Ferry Collision in Clearwater, Florida

First responders in Clearwater, Florida, declared a mass casualty incident on Sunday night following a collision between a recreational ferry and another boat, which fled the scene. The incident occurred near the Memorial Causeway Bridge, according to the Clearwater Police Department.

The Clearwater Ferry, carrying more than 40 passengers, was struck by an unidentified boat. While the exact number of injuries remains unclear, authorities confirmed that all injuries were sustained by passengers on the ferry. Two individuals were reported to be in serious condition and were airlifted to local hospitals via helicopter.

By 10:30 p.m. local time, all passengers and patients had been safely removed from the ferry. The Clearwater Fire Department classified the incident as a mass casualty due to the volume of injuries. Local hospitals were notified, and multiple trauma alerts were issued. Helicopters were deployed to transport the most critically injured individuals.

The Clearwater Police Department urged drivers to avoid the Memorial Causeway area as emergency operations continued. Following the collision, the ferry came to rest on a sandbar south of the bridge. Details about the boat that struck the ferry and fled remain undisclosed.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

**Sources:**
[Clearwater Police Department](https://www.clearwaterpolice.org)
[Clearwater Fire Department](https://www.clearwaterfire.org)