Florida authorities declare a 'mass casualty' in deadly boat crash near Clearwater

A tragic boat crash near Clearwater left one person dead and several injured as first responders rushed to the scene. The incident occurred when a ferry, carrying more than 40 people, was struck by a boat that fled the scene after crashing into the ferry off the Memorial Causeway Bridge. The ferry came to rest on a sandbar south of the bridge, with all passengers and injuries accounted for. Authorities are investigating the cause, which appeared to be strong local currents forcing the ferry to stop in its path. The U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission are leading the investigation into what officials described as "a mass casualty incident."