PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — One person was killed Sunday evening after a hit-and-run boat crash involving the Clearwater Ferry, public safety officials said Sunday night.

Ten people were injured, with six of those injuries serious, and two were flown by medical helicopters to area hospitals.

What You Need To Know

  • One person was killed Sunday evening after a hit-and-run boat crash involving the Clearwater Ferry

  • Ten people were injured, with six of those injuries serious, and two were flown by medical helicopters to area hospitals

  • Authorities said the other boat fled the scene after striking the ferry; officials later said that other boat has been accounted for

  • An investigation by the Coast Guard and FWC is ongoing

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are handling the crash investigation.

Officials said at least 45 people were on the ferry during a busy evening on Clearwater Beach. Officials said the pontoon boat was one of the ferry service’s larger boats.

In a joint statement issued Monday morning, PSTA and the Clearwater Ferry said: "We are heartbroken for the person who lost their life, everyone who was hurt, and their families. 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 ferry service commutes back and forth from Coachman Park to the Clearwater Beach Marina. That’s what the ferry was doing when it was struck by another vessel around 8:45 p.m. The ferry came to rest on a sandbar just south of the Memorial Causeway bridge.

Rob Shaw, with the city of Clearwater, said the water was searched throughout the evening and every passenger has been accounted for. 

As for the other boat involved, it fled the scene. 

“We had another boat which ran into the ferry and then fled the scene,” Shaw said. “Think of it like a hit and run but on the water. We do believe that other law enforcement partners in the area may have that boat right now.

“That’s the preliminary information that we have. We’re also asking anyone with information about this incident or video about this incident to contact us.” 

Police say a partner law enforcement agency located the hit and run boat. According to Spectrum Bay News 9’s partner newspaper the Tampa Bay Times, the driver of that boat was also found. The driver's identity or any possible charges have not yet been released.