Clearwater Ferry Hit by Boat: Multiple Injuries Reported in Marine Hit-and-Run

Clearwater Ferry Collision

• 🚢 A Clearwater Ferry carrying 42 passengers was involved in a collision around 8:40 PM near the Memorial Causeway Bridge.
• 💥 The ferry was reportedly hit from behind by a larger boat, described as a "big yacht," which then fled the scene.
• 🚨 Emergency services, including firefighters and police, responded rapidly to the incident.

Passenger Accounts and Injuries

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Passengers, including families with young children, were returning from Clearwater Beach when the crash occurred.
• 🤕 Multiple injuries were reported among the ferry passengers, with six individuals classified as trauma alerts.
• 💔 Witnesses described graphic injuries such as broken bones and head traumas, with one pregnant passenger (31 weeks) being transported to the hospital as a precaution.

Investigation and Suspect Vessel

• 🚓 Clearwater Police are investigating the incident as a marine hit-and-run.
• 🚤 Authorities believe they may have located the boat responsible for the collision, with another agency currently in possession of the vessel.
• 🔍 The FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) and the United States Coast Guard are expected to lead the investigation into the crash.