A tragic collision between a recreational vessel and the Clearwater Ferry near the Clearwater Memorial Causeway Bridge in Florida on Sunday evening has left one person dead and several others injured.
The incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. local time when a 37-foot recreational boat carrying six people struck the ferry, which had 44 passengers aboard. After the collision, the recreational vessel departed the scene toward a nearby boat ramp.
Emergency responders quickly declared a mass casualty incident. Six individuals were classified as trauma alerts, with two victims airlifted to medical facilities for urgent care.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the deceased,” said Cmdr. Fredrick Pugh, Chief of Response for Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. “Coast Guard investigators and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are working diligently to determine the cause of the collision and the events leading up to it.”
Several agencies responded to the scene, including the U.S. Coast Guard Station Sand Key, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Clearwater Police Department, and the Clearwater Fire Department. The FWC is leading the investigation, with support from Coast Guard officials.
Authorities believe they have identified the recreational vessel involved, but no further details have been released as the investigation remains ongoing.
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