1 dead after Florida ferry packed with passengers struck by boat in hit-and-run: 'Mass casualty incident'

 One person is dead after a boat ran into a ferry packed with passengers in Clearwater, Florida, on Sunday, prompting a "mass casualty incident."

The Clearwater Ferry, a method of transportation from downtown Clearwater to Clearwater Beach, had approximately 45 people on board when it was struck by a recreational boat at around 8:40 p.m. on Sunday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The crash, which left one person dead, took place near the Memorial Causeway bridge, according to Clearwater police.

The City of Clearwater said six passengers were declared "trauma alerts." Police described two of those as "seriously injured" and said they were taken to local hospitals by helicopter.

First responders in Clearwater, Florida, declared a "mass casualty incident" Sunday night after a ferry carrying dozens of passengers was struck by a boat, which fled the scene. One person was killed. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via