> Clearwater ferry crash: No charges filed after collision that left 1 dead, 10 hurt
Clearwater ferry crash: No charges filed after collision that left 1 dead, 10 hurt
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Description
Officers with the Clearwater Police Department and other officials provided an update regarding Sunday night's deadly crash between a boat and a ferry.
The crash happened around 8:40 p.m., according to Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy.
Forty-five people were on the ferry at the time of the crash, including two crew members. Six people were on the other boat, according to an X post by the Coast Guard. The boat that allegedly crashed into the ferry fled the scene but was found 3.5 miles south of the crash with people still on board.
Gandy said the crash left one man dead and 10 others injured. Six people were taken to hospitals as trauma alerts. Injuries among the victims included broken bones, officials said Monday. No children were injured in the crash.
"Our 911 call takers could hear what they described as 'horrific screaming' in the background," Gandy said.
The operator of the boat that crashed into the ferry was cooperative with law enforcement. A breathalyzer test found no alcohol in their system, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
"It should also be noted that the efforts of a ferry crew member likely saved lives last night," Gandy said.
Officials added that the crash was initially declared a mass casualty event because there were more people hurt than there were first responders.
"We pulled as many ambulances and transport rescues as we possibly can," Clearwater Fire Rescue Chief Tony Tedesco said.
At this time, FWC is handling the crash investigation and has seized both the ferry and the boat. No one has been charged.