Authorities are considering charges against the captain of the recreational boat, identified as Knight, for leaving the scene of the crash, despite him passing sobriety tests and showing no alcohol in his system.

The collision occurred in the Eastern Shores neighborhood, specifically near Northeast 171st Street and 35th Avenue, and was captured on video from a nearby city park.

Authorities are expected to release the names of the deceased and the captain of the recreational boat soon, as the investigation continues.

Rob Shaw, a public information officer for Clearwater, has called on anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward to assist in the investigation.

Clearwater Ferry has expressed condolences to the victims' families and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigations, emphasizing safety as a top priority.

In the aftermath, local resident Steven Whitehurst, who was injured, highlighted the importance of valuing family and not taking life for granted.

Among the injured, six individuals were classified as trauma alerts, with two requiring helicopter transport to nearby hospitals.

Knight has a concerning history, including previous boating and DUI offenses, raising questions about his responsibility during the incident.

A tragic collision between a recreational boat and a ferry in Clearwater, Florida, resulted in one death and multiple injuries, prompting authorities to label the incident a 'mass casualty incident.'

Local officials have urged residents to steer clear of the area to allow emergency responders and investigators to carry out their work effectively.

Investigators are meticulously examining factors such as vessel speed and navigation errors, while both the ferry and the recreational boat have been secured for forensic analysis.

The Clearwater Ferry operates as part of a private charter service, providing excursions to popular destinations, and has been affected by this tragic incident.