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Staten Island Ferry Accident

During this afternoon rush hour a number of Staten Island residents were injured in what officials have referred to as a "hard landing / docking" of the Staten Island ferry boat John Marchi.  Initial reports are limited but there have been indications that approximately 15 passengers were injured.

The Staten Island ferry is a primary source of transportation for many Staten Islanders and is estimated to transport approximately 60,000 passengers per day.  The ferry is managed by the New York City Department of Transportation("NYC DOT") which has implemented a number of new passenger safety measures after the extremely tragic and unnecessary 2003 ferry accident. While the exact cause of todays accident is unknown, in light of the DOT's prior history and negligence respecting the 2003 ferry accident, an immediate review of the accident should be undertaken by the DOT and reported to the Staten Island community.  While weather conditions and certain other factors are certainly out of the control of the DOT, injuries may nevertheless be avoided or mitigated through prompt communication and instructions given to ferry passengers.