A tragic boat crash near the Clearwater Bridge occurred just before 9 p.m. on [insert date], resulting in one fatality and several serious injuries. The crash resulted in a boat ramming a passenger ship in the dark, a ferry with more than 40 people onboard. Due to the seriousness of the incident, officials declared it a mass casualty situation.
The Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department responded to the scene quickly following the crash. As soon as they were in the thick of it with multiple trauma alerts coming in. In an immediate response, helicopters were called in to airlift two of the more critically injured victims to area hospitals.
Hundreds of first responders, with lights flashing, were the first to respond in solidarity. Footage shared on social media illustrated the alarming pace at which events unfolded. All patients and passengers were safely evacuated from the ferry, and no injuries were reported. It now sits on a sandbar almost directly south of the Memorial Causeway bridge.
US authorities, meanwhile, confirmed that the vessel that struck Reyes Boat and fled the scene is US registered. Emergency crews put in tremendous efforts to stabilize and treat the injured. At the same time, police urged motorists to stay off the Memorial Causeway so that emergency responders could get through easily.
“All local hospitals have been notified. Multiple trauma alerts have been called with helicopters transporting two of the more seriously injured,” – Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department.
The act reverberated throughout the community. They are, understandably, still coming to terms with the loss of life and the grievous injuries endured by survivors on that ill-fated ferry. Authorities are investigating the circumstances leading up to the boat leaving the scene. To this end, they encourage anyone with information to step forward.
Leave a Reply