America’s History of Ferry Accidents & What You Need to Know

Ferries transport millions of passengers across American waterways every year, providing essential connections between communities that would otherwise remain isolated. Most ferry trips conclude safely. However, the history of ferry accident incidents in the United States reveals a troubling pattern of preventable tragedies that have claimed hundreds of lives.

A ferry boat crash can occur with little warning, leaving passengers and crew members with catastrophic injuries and families devastated by sudden loss. Our Houston maritime attorneys at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner represent victims of ferry accidents and fight for the compensation they deserve.

The Worst Ferry Accidents in America

The United States operates extensive ferry networks that serve coastal communities, island populations, and commuters in major metropolitan areas. Texas alone sees more than 8.8 million passengers riding the Galveston and Port Aransas ferry services annually. Despite safety regulations and modern navigation technology, ferry disasters continue to occur, with devastating consequences for passengers and their families.

George Prince Ferry Disaster (1976)

The worst ferry accident in U.S. history occurred on October 20, 1976, when the George Prince ferry collided with the Norwegian tanker SS Frosta on the Mississippi River near Luling, Louisiana. The tragic ferry collision occurred during the dark dawn commute, as workers were traveling to jobs at nearby petrochemical plants.

Despite Pilot Nicholas Colombo’s repeated signals to George Prince’s Captain Gene Auletta, the tanker struck the ferry broadside, causing the smaller vessel to capsize almost immediately. The accident killed 78 people, making it the deadliest ferry disaster in American history.

Investigators determined that navigational errors contributed to the collision, including failures related to right-of-way. Only 18 passengers survived the ferry crash incident, many of whom remained trapped inside their vehicles as the ferry sank within minutes.

The disaster prompted significant reforms in maritime regulations. Large vessels operating on the river were granted legal right of way over smaller craft, and the Coast Guard instituted random drug and alcohol testing for pilots and other vessel personnel.

Staten Island Ferry Accident (2003)

The Staten Island Ferry Andrew J. Barberi crashed into a concrete maintenance pier at the St. George Terminal on October 15, 2003. The ferry boat crash occurred at full speed as the vessel approached its Manhattan destination during the afternoon commute.

Assistant Captain Richard Smith had lost consciousness at the controls, leaving no one to guide the ferry safely into the dock. The impact killed 11 passengers and injured approximately 70 others, many of whom suffered severe trauma from the collision.

Investigators discovered that Smith had been taking pain medication and muscle relaxants that impaired his ability to operate the vessel safely. The ferry operator pleaded guilty to federal charges and paid substantial fines.

Staten Island Ferry (2010)

On May 8, 2010, the Andrew J. Barberi Staten Island Ferry struck the St. George Ferry Terminal in New York as it failed to slow while docking due to a loss of propulsion control. This mechanical issue left the crew unable to respond in time. Three passengers were seriously hurt, and 47 others, including crew, suffered minor injuries in the crash.

The collision was traced to a faulty valve in the ferry’s propulsion system, which prevented the vessel from reducing speed as it approached the dock, tossing passengers and causing the injuries reported. The ferry crash marked the second major accident involving the Andrew J. Barberi, raising serious questions about the vessel’s continued operation following its deadly 2003 crash.

Port Imperial Ferry Collision (2013)

On January 9, 2013, a Seastreak ferry struck Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan during the morning commute. The ferry disaster happened when the vessel approached the dock too quickly and did not decelerate before reaching the terminal, sending standing passengers violently forward on impact.

About 85 people were injured, many suffering fractures, head trauma, and lacerations. The collision was caused by a failure in the vessel’s control systems and operator error during docking.

Investigators found that the collision was caused by a combination of control-system limitations and operator error during docking, which prevented the vessel from slowing before impact. This loss of proper speed control resulted in the ferry striking the dock and injuring many passengers.

Your Rights After a Ferry Accident Injury

Passengers injured in ferry accidents have the right to seek compensation from negligent operators and vessel owners. Maritime law offers specific protections for those harmed on commercial vessels, but these claims often involve complex legal and jurisdictional issues that call for skilled, experienced attorneys.

Jones Act

The Jones Act offers protections for crew members and maritime workers injured while working on vessels. Ferry employees hurt in a crash may be able to file negligence claims under the Jones Act, depending on their job duties and vessel status. The law also provides for maintenance and cure benefits, covering living costs and medical care during your recovery.

Personal Injury Claim

Passengers injured in a ferry collision can pursue compensation for the full range of damages they suffer as a result of operator negligence. Your claim may include recovery for both economic losses and non-economic harm that affects your quality of life:

• Medical expenses;
• Lost income;
• Future earning capacity;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress;
• Permanent disability;
• Disfigurement, and
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

Documenting your injuries thoroughly and seeking prompt medical attention significantly strengthens your claim. Keeping detailed records of all treatment, expenses, and limitations you experience after a ferry crash can strengthen a claim.

Under Texas law, you have a two-year limitation period for personal injury claims. However, federal maritime law may impose different deadlines depending on the circumstances of your case.

Contact a Houston Maritime Lawyer Now

If you were hurt in a ferry accident due to negligent operation or hazardous vessel conditions, our seasoned maritime lawyers are prepared to protect your interests. The attorneys at Abraham Watkins bring more than seven decades of combined experience in complex maritime injury cases and have secured billions in recoveries for injured clients.

Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis because we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality legal representation without an upfront cost. Contact us at (713) 222-7211 or submit our online form to arrange a free consultation with a knowledgeable Houston maritime attorney today.

Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner
800 Commerce St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
(713) 222-7211