A ferry ushering families from a popular sand sculpting competition in Florida was struck by a recreational boat in an apparent hit-and-run – killing one ferry passenger and injuring several others, police and witnesses said.

The Clearwater Fire and Rescue Department declared the crash a "mass casualty incident" due to the number of injuries.

All of those injured were aboard the ferry, which was carrying more than 40 people. Police did not provide any information about the person who died.