Man dies, 10 hurt in Clearwater ferry hit-and-run crash

CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) -- Clearwater police released new details surrounding Sunday's deadly hit-and-run crash between a ferry and recreational boat. Police were called to the Clearwater Memorial Causeway Bridge at 8:43 p.m. Video from a nearby City of Clearwater streaming webcam showed a boat colliding with the stern of the ferry as it sailed by the bridge. "Mayday, mayday, mayday! There's been a boat collision. The Clearwater ferry, underneath the Clearwater Memorial Causeway. The Clearwater ferry is adrift," mayday transmission audio released by the Coast Guard said. 45 people were onboard the ferry. A man died in the collision and ten other adults were hurt, according to Clearwater fire officials. Six of the injured patients were considered trauma alerts. The incident was declared a "level I mass casualty incident" due to the number of patients overwhelming emergency crews. Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy described "horrific screaming" in the 911 calls inundating dispatchers. The other vessel involved in the crash left the area, police said. It was located later that evening around 3.5 miles away at the Belleair boat ramp. FWC said the operator of the boat willingly provided a breath alcohol sample, which tested at 0.00. There is no word yet on if anyone has been charged in connection to the incident. The FWC is working with the Pinellas County State Attorney's Office to determine which criminal charges, if any, apply. "We are heartbroken for the person who lost their life, everyone who was hurt, and their families," a statement from PSTA said. "We deeply appreciate the dedication of the first responders and others who rushed to help Sunday night. We are cooperating with the investigation. Safety is the top priority for PSTA and the Clearwater Ferry." The cause of the collision remained under investigation on Monday.