A major rescue operation was launched on Sunday evening after a Clearwater Ferry collided with another boat near the Memorial Causeway bridge in Florida, sparking a mass casualty event.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene after the incident was reported around 8:40pm. The ferry, which was carrying 42 passengers, came to rest on a sandbar following the crash. Authorities have confirmed that at least six passengers have been described as “trauma patients,” with multiple others injured.
A convoy of 10 emergency vehicles, along with at least two medical helicopters, descended on the area to assist in the rescue. Two seriously injured victims were airlifted to nearby hospitals, while other patients were transported by ambulance. Initial reports suggest as many as 12 patients have been taken to local hospitals, with others evaluated at the scene.
Police confirmed that the other boat involved in the collision fled the scene. It is understood that six people were on board the smaller vessel, none of whom sustained injuries.
Clearwater Police Department issued a public statement urging motorists to avoid the Memorial Causeway as emergency teams worked to transport the injured.
“It’s been declared a mass casualty incident by the fire department due to the number of injuries. All local hospitals have been notified,” the statement said.
The ferry was operating on one of the busiest days of the year, coinciding with the final day of the 17-day Sugar Sand Festival, an event which draws large crowds to the area.
One eyewitness described the scene as “chaotic,” posting on social media: “A regular boat just hit the ferry in Clearwater. I think over four helicopters are airlifting people out. Every minute there’s more and more ambulances. This is awful.”
Authorities have now confirmed that all passengers have been safely removed from the ferry.
The U.S. Coast Guard and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will lead a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
