More than 100 passengers were evacuated when a ferry ran aground in Brooklyn on Saturday afternoon, authorities said.
The SeaStreak boat was traveling along the East River from Highlands, NJ, to the East 35th Street pier when, shortly after 4 p.m., it “experienced a mechanical issue that caused the vessel to lose power and steering,” the ferry line said in a statement.
The boat — with 118 passengers and seven crew members — began to drift toward Bushwick Inlet Park where it ran aground and began to take on water, the FDNY said.
The FDNY and NYPD responded within four minutes because the agencies already had boats in the water from an earlier jet ski incident, FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Michael Gala said.
FDNY marine units and police harbor launchers took the passengers off the stranded ferry within two hours, Gala said.
The SeaStreak ferry after it ran aground next to Bushwick Inlet Park in Brooklyn. Peter Gerber
FDNY responds to the scene of the accident in Brooklyn. Peter GerberA video posted to Twitter about 5:40 p.m. showed passengers being taken from the disabled boat.
Gala said one crew member was injured and taken to the hospital. Passengers were transported to the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
A salvage company was on its way to remove the ferry, he said.
One ferry passenger called the experience “a little panic inducing” because she had her baby with her.
FDNY firefighters carry lifeguard equipment on their way to evacuating passengers. Peter Gerber
FDNY firefighters at the scene of the ferry crash. Peter Gerber
FDNY members evacuate passengers off the Seastreak ferry in Brooklyn. Peter Gerber“The crew seemed like they handled it really well,” she said. “They kept everyone calm.”
Another passenger said the boat suddenly turned and the crew told everyone to sit down.
“It came very slowly (to rest). It just stopped,” he said.
He said he would not be deterred from taking the ferry again.
“Listen, things happen, right?” he said.
