By USA Daily Now 
CLEARWATER, Fla. — First responders in Clearwater, Florida, declared a mass casualty incident Sunday night after a recreational ferry carrying dozens of passengers was struck by another boat, which fled the scene. The incident occurred near the Memorial Causeway Bridge, according to the Clearwater Police Department.
The Clearwater Ferry, which had more than 40 passengers onboard, was struck by an unidentified boat. While the exact number of injuries remains unclear, authorities confirmed that all injuries were sustained by passengers on the ferry. Two individuals were seriously injured and were transported by helicopter to local hospitals.
As of 10:30 p.m. local time, all patients and passengers had been safely removed from the ferry. The Clearwater Fire Department declared the incident a mass casualty due to the number of injuries. Local hospitals were notified, and multiple trauma alerts were issued. Helicopters were deployed to transport the most critically injured individuals.
The Clearwater Police Department urged drivers to avoid the Memorial Causeway area as emergency crews worked at the scene. After the collision, the ferry came to rest on a sandbar south of the bridge.
Details about the boat that struck the ferry and fled remain unknown. Authorities are actively investigating the incident.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
**Sources:**
[Clearwater Police Department](https://www.clearwaterpolice.org)
[Clearwater Fire Department](https://www.clearwaterfire.org)