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Florida authorities declare 'mass casualty' after boat hits ferry near Clearwater bridge

Police say boater flees the scene after collision
Several people were injured on April 27, 2025, when a boat crashed into a ferry in Clearwater, Florida, and then fled the scene, authorities said.
Several people were injured on April 27, 2025, when a boat crashed into a ferry in Clearwater, Florida, and then fled the scene, authorities said.
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CLEARWATER, Fla. — Several people were injured Sunday when a boat crashed into a ferry off the Memorial Causeway Bridge and then fled the scene, authorities said.

The Clearwater Police Department posted on X that there were multiple injuries and the crash had been declared "a mass casualty incident" by the Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department due to the number of injuries.

WATCH BELOW: Serious injuries reported after boat hits ferry

'Mass casualty' incident after boat collides with ferry in Clearwater

All of those injured were aboard the ferry, which was carrying more than 40 people.

The ferry came to rest on a sandbar just south of the Memorial Causeway bridge and all patients and passengers have been removed.

Police did not immediately provide any information about the boat that fled the scene.

Authorities did not immediately provide the number of those who were hurt.

"All local hospitals have been notified. Multiple trauma alerts have been called with helicopters transporting two of the more seriously injured," the post said.

Videos on social media showed several first responders rushing to the scene with lights flashing.

Police cautioned drivers to avoid the Memorial Causeway.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission will investigate the crash.