Florida ferry carrying dozens of passengers struck by boat in hit-and-run: 'Mass casualty incident'

First responders in Clearwater Florida declared a mass casualty circumstance Sunday night after a recreational ferry carrying dozens of passengers was struck by a boat which fled the scene The Clearwater Police Department reported the Clearwater Ferry had more than people onboard when it was struck by another boat near the Memorial Causeway Bridge The exact number of injuries is unclear but police disclosed all injuries came from passengers on the ferry Two people were considered seriously injured and transported by helicopter to local hospitals As of p m local time first responders had removed all patients and passengers from the ferry It s been declared a mass casualty occurrence by the fire department due to the number of injuries All local hospitals have been notified Multiple trauma alerts have been called with helicopters transporting two of the more seriously injured Drivers should avoid Memorial Causeway Clearwater police disclosed on X After it was hit police commented the ferry came to a rest on a sandbar south of the bridge Details on the boat that fled after hitting the ferry are not yet available This is a emerging news story Check back for updates