**Tragedy Strikes as Florida Ferry Crash Declared ‘Mass Casualty Incident’**
Authorities in Florida have declared a “mass casualty incident” after a sudden collision involving a ferry left one person dead and several more wounded. The dramatic event occurred near the Memorial Causeway Bridge in Clearwater, with first responders describing scenes of chaos as rescue teams rushed to assist dozens of passengers.
The crash took place on Sunday, and according to official reports, the ferry was carrying over 40 people at the time. The incident has prompted concern and calls for increased maritime safety, as details emerge of a second boat allegedly involved in the collision that left the scene swiftly following impact.
The Clearwater Police Department released a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), confirming that not only had one person lost their life, but multiple people sustained injuries, prompting immediate trauma alerts across the area. “All of those injured were on board the ferry,” noted the department, as the rescue teams mobilised at the scene.
Authorities were quick to highlight the seriousness of the event by designating it a “mass casualty incident,” a categorisation that underscores the number of injuries and the scale of response required. This declaration enabled emergency medical helicopters to be dispatched, airlifting at least two of the most severely injured passengers to local hospitals. The exact number of people hurt has yet to be released, and officials have refrained from disclosing the identity of the deceased at this early stage.
After the collision, the ferry came to rest on a nearby sandbar just south of the Memorial Causeway Bridge. Dramatic video footage circulated online, depicting flashing emergency lights and a concerted effort by paramedics, firefighters, and police as they worked together to evacuate everyone on board. All passengers and crew were eventually removed from the ferry and triaged for injuries.
Details about the boat that is believed to have caused the crash remain scarce. Law enforcement officials say this vessel left the scene before investigators could reach it, raising further questions over accountability and potential legal consequences. The ongoing search for the boat and its occupants is being coordinated with various agencies.
In the wake of the tragedy, area hospitals were quickly notified and braced to receive those in need of urgent care. The police have urged residents and tourists alike to avoid the Memorial Causeway, partially closing the bridge to allow for an uninterrupted emergency response and subsequent investigation into the cause of the collision.
Oversight of the investigation has been handed to the US Coast Guard and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Both agencies bring considerable experience in probing maritime incidents and are expected to examine collision data, ferry maintenance records, and navigational logs in their bid to ascertain exactly what led to the disaster.
The local community has been left in shock as social media fills with words of support for victims and their families. Such incidents serve as a sombre reminder of the risks involved in waterway travel, even in idyllic tourist locations such as Clearwater.
As the investigation continues, the priority remains supporting the injured and providing answers to all those affected by this tragic accident. Local officials have pledged transparency throughout the process, vowing to keep the public informed as more information becomes available.