Maritime News

A Staten Island ferry slammed into a dock injuring 37 people after mechanical issues prevented it from coming to a stop.

 
The accident occurred right before 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 8. The 300-foot-long Andrew J. Barberi was approaching the St. George Dock when the ferry captain, Donald Russel, tried to slow the ferry down for the approach. As he tried to activate the reverse thrust in order to slow the boat down, the ferry did not respond.

 
The captain sounded an alarm which prompted the boat’s 18-person crew to lead passengers from the front.

 
The 3,260-ton boat was traveling at 5 knots when it smashed into the dock. The impact tore open two four-foot by four-foot holes in the hull. The holes were 17 feet above the water line, so the ferry did not take on water.  There was also some damage to the terminal and slip.

 
Thirty-seven passengers were injured by the impact. Thirty-five were taken to area hospitals and two were treated at the terminal. Investigators believe that the quick actions of the crew prevented more serious injury.

 
In 2003, the same ferry ran into a pier while carrying 252 commuters. Eleven were killed.

 
Passengers who are killed or injured while aboard ship may have rights under maritime law.

 
The ferry accident is under investigation. Although mechanical failure seems to be to blame, the Andrew J. Barberi passed Coast Guard inspections in July 2009 and in April 2010 as well as its annual Bureau of Shipping survey in October.  

Loading

Get Your FREE
Injury Toolkit

Our Qualifications