Florida boat crash: First video emerges of moment ferry was struck by runaway vessel

Shocking CCTV footage released by captures the tragic moment a boat ploughed into a ferry in , resulting in a 'mass casualty' incident with at least one fatality and numerous injured individuals.

Tragedy struck on April 27 when a boat collided violently with a ferry packed with over 40 passengers and crew near Clearwater's Memorial Causeway Bridge during the Sugar Sand Festival's final night, authorities reported. In the aftermath of the horrific crash in Clearwater, officials confirmed that one person has lost their life and many others have sustained injuries from the disastrous event.

The rogue vessel responsible for the collision made a hasty retreat immediately after the impact, as revealed by the Clearwater Police Department. Just yesterday, the Clearwater Police Department issued a sombre update on social media: "Along with @clearwaterfire, we're working a boat crash off the Memorial Causeway bridge that has resulted in multiple injuries.

"It's been declared a mass casualty incident by the fire department due to the number of injuries. All local hospitals have been notified. Multiple trauma alerts have been called with helicopters transporting two of the more seriously injured. Drivers should avoid Memorial Causeway."

"The crash involved the Clearwater Ferry, which had more than 40 people on board. All of the injuries are from the ferry. The boat that struck the ferry fled the scene. The @USCG and @MyFWC will be handling the crash investigation. The ferry came to rest on a sandbar just south of the Memorial Causeway bridge. All patients and passengers have been removed from the boat."

A few hours later, they updated: "One person has died from injuries in tonight's boat crash. @MyFWC will be handing the crash investigation." Clearwater Police Department have now released some dramatic footage of the boat collision.

They shared: "This video was released by the Clearwater Police Department at a news conference this afternoon related to Sunday night's boat crash that left one person dead and 10 injured on the Clearwater Ferry. The view is from a live web cam at Coachman Park that shows the park and the marina/waterfront area. @MyFWC is investigating the crash, along with the @USCG."

In a Monday afternoon press briefing, officials revealed they had located the driver of the private boat, who allegedly fled the scene, three hours after the collision on Sunday night. The driver was found by a partnering law enforcement agency, according to Clearwater police. The identity of the driver has not yet been disclosed, as reported by .

Harrowing audio has emerged of the desperate mayday call made by crew members aboard the Clearwater Ferry just after a catastrophic collision. "Mayday, mayday, mayday, there's been a boat collision! The Clearwater ferry, underneath the Clearwater Memorial Causeway. The Clearwater ferry is adrift," the panicked controller broadcasted as chaos ensued following the impact.

The US Coast Guard confirmed that initial reports from the scene indicated all 45 passengers on the ferry and the six individuals on the other vessel were accounted for. Injuries were reported exclusively among those on the ferry, as per the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The identity of the deceased individual has yet to be officially released.

In a sombre statement, Clearwater Ferry expressed their condolences: "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."