7 Hurt When Ferry Hits Pier on Hudson River: Officials

Seven people on board a ferry were hurt when the boat struck a pier while attempting to dock in Jersey City Friday, authorities say. 

The ferry, owned by Goldman Sachs and operated by New York Waterway, was headed from the World Financial Center when it hit Owen Grundy Pier on the Hudson River at around 4:30 p.m., according to a company spokesman.

The pier is a few hundred yards from the ferry terminal where the boat usually lands.

Twenty-four passengers and three crew members were on board the ferry, the Coast Guard said. Five passengers and two crew members were evaluated at the scene; four of them, two passengers and two crew members, were taken to the hospital. All were treated and released or expected to be released by Friday night. 

One crew member's family told NBC 4 New York that he had been thrown several feet from the impact of the crash and was experiencing swelling in his legs and his abdomen. 

Goldman Sachs is headquartered at the World Financial Center and has offices in Jersey City, but the boat — named York — is operated by Waterway and available for public use. The York and another ferry owned by Goldman Sachs, Jersey, began commuter service in February.

The pier is closed while officials investigate. No cause has been determined for the accident, but the city said an investigation by the Jersey City Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard and NYPD Harbor Unit is ongoing.

The three crew members of the ferry passed alcohol tests that were administered shortly after the accident occurred.

Pat Smith, a spokesman for ferry operator New York Waterway, told The Star-Ledger that the captain and two deckhands were also given drug tests following Friday afternoon's accident. But the results of those tests will not be available until Tuesday.

Alcohol and drug tests are standard procedure following ferry accidents.

Officials said it is unclear which pier the ferry was traveling to.

"The ferry struck the wrong pier, and where it was going is under investigation," said James Shea, director of the Jersey City Department of Public Safety.

No pollution had been reported as a result of the accident, said Coast Guard Public Affairs Specialist 3rd Class Ali Flockerzi.

Pei-Sze Cheng contributed to this report. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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