Dozens Hurt When Ferry Crashes into Pier in Lower Manhattan

70 people were allegedly injured when a high speed commuter ferry struck a lower Manhattan wharf as the boat attempted to dock. According to the vessel's captain, 36-year-old Jason Reimer, the Seastreak Wall Street malfunctioned after it completed a routine trip across the New York Bay. Reimer supposedly told investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that the boat experienced a mechanical failure which prevented the ferry from reversing immediately prior to hitting the wharf. 11 passengers were reportedly seriously injured in the unexpected incident.

The captain allegedly told investigators that although the ferry's steering system continued to function, the engines eventually died. NTSB investigator Robert Sumwalt said the 10-year-old vessel was traveling at about 13 miles per hour when the crash occurred. Sumwalt stated that Reimer was a veteran on the boat and had 12 years of experience as a ferry captain. Ironically, the Seastreak Wall Street reportedly underwent a recent engine and propulsion system overhaul. Sumwalt said the NTSB is attempting to ascertain whether this factored into the unfortunate injury accident.

The recent ferry crash reportedly occurred in an area widely known as difficult to navigate. A retired Staten Island Ferry captain, Bill Allen, said passengers often take the safety of traveling by ferry for granted. Despite the accident, hundreds of ferry trips purportedly shuttle passengers to and from New York City every day. The vessel was reportedly returning from Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey with 330 people aboard at the time of the incident.

The exact cause of the ferry crash is still under investigation by the NTSB. Although alcohol is not a suspected factor in the accident, drug tests performed on the ferry's crew immediately following the incident are currently pending. In 2010, 40 passengers were allegedly hurt after the same ferry experienced a mechanical problem that caused it to strike the same wharf.

If you were injured in a ferry or other accident, you may be entitled to collect financial damages for your medical costs, lost wages and benefits, pain and suffering, disability, and other expenses. Contact a skilled personal injury lawyer to discuss your right to recovery.

At Korngut Paleudis LLC, our hardworking New York City personal injury and accident attorneys are ready and willing to help clients who were hurt in an unexpected accident achieve the compensation they deserve. With more than 45 years of combined experience, our dedicated lawyers represent individuals who are located in New York and New Jersey. To discuss your case with a quality personal injury attorney today, call Korngut Paleudis LLC at (212) 835-6768 in New York City. You may also contact our capable lawyers through the law firm's website.

Additional Resources:

NY ferry captain in crash tells federal investigators that vessel had mechanical failure, by The Associated Press, Washington Post

High-speed ferry strikes NYC dock; dozens injured, by Colleen Long, Atlanta Journal-Constitution