Clearwater Ferry Hit-and-Run: 1 Dead, 12 Injured in Mass Casualty Boating Accident

Deadly Boating Accident

• 💔 A hit-and-run boating accident involving the Clearwater Ferry resulted in one fatality and 12 injuries.
• 🚨 The incident, which occurred near the Memorial Causeway Bridge, has been classified as a mass casualty event due to the number and severity of injuries.

Ferry and Passengers

• 🚢 Approximately 40 people were on board the ferry when the crash happened between 8:30 and 8:40 p.m.
• 🌊 Some passengers were thrown overboard into the water following the impact.
• 🏥 Two of the injured passengers required transport to hospitals via helicopter due to the severity of their injuries.

Investigation and Search

• 🔍 Authorities have reportedly located the boat involved in the collision, but details regarding its description or ownership are scarce.
• 🗣️ Police are seeking any cell phone footage from the public that may have captured the moments before, during, or after the crash.
• 📍 The ferry typically transports passengers from Coachman Park to Clearwater Beach.

Eyewitness Account

• 😨 One passenger described falling between seats, hearing screams, and prioritizing the safety of her children and husband.
• 🤝 Passengers assisted others who were more severely injured in the immediate aftermath of the crash.
• 🛠️ Despite significant damage to the ferry, including to its back and top, the other vessel fled the scene.