A tragic boat crash in Clearwater, Florida, has left one person dead and ten others injured. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, just as the Sugar Sand Festival was wrapping up. A recreational boat collided with a Clearwater Ferry that was carrying 45 passengers after a sand-sculpting contest.
Witnesses reported that the crash happened around dusk, creating a chaotic scene. Emergency responders quickly labeled it a “mass casualty event.” The ferry came to a stop on a sandbar, and passengers were evacuated and treated for various injuries.
Authorities later located the driver of the recreational boat more than three miles from the crash site. Fortunately, he was not intoxicated and passed a sobriety test. However, he may still face multiple charges related to the incident.
Local news outlets, including the Associated Press, have been covering the story as more details emerge. The festival, which celebrates art made from sand, was a popular event, and this incident has cast a shadow over its conclusion.
As the investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic accident.