Seastreak ferry Commodore (IMO 9842243), at 150ft in the length the largest in its fleet, ran aground in Bushwick Inlet, in Brooklyn, New York, during the afternoon of Saturday June 5th.
The US Coast Guard, New York City Fire Department (FDNY), and New York City Police Department (NYPD) crews responded after watchstanders at USCG New York command centre received a report at 16:17 local time that the vessel had run aground and was taking on water. There were 107 passengers and seven crew members on board.
NYPD and FDNY safely evacuated all passengers and crew-members from the ferry before the USCG members went aboard with the FDNY to conduct dewatering operations.
According to the FDNY there were no injuries except for one member of the crew who was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, possibly heat exhaustion.
Seastreak said that the Commodore had experienced an issue that caused the vessel to lose engine power and steering. The vessel had drifted into Bushwick Inlet on the Brooklyn side of the East River and then came to rest along the shore.
“We are appreciative of the prompt responses of both the USCG and the FDNY, who were calm and professional in assisting with an orderly disembarkation of our passengers to the shore. The safety of our passengers is our top priority and we are cooperating with the USCG to conduct an investigation as to what caused the mechanical or electrical failure.
Seastreak said that, while the hull of the Commodore did sustain some damage that allowed water to enter the port hull, temporary patches were applied and pumps were used to pump out the water. The vessel was floating freely and was towed to a shipyard for repairs.
2018-built, USA-flagged, 726 gt Commodore is owned by Seastreak LLC care of manager Seastreak America Inc of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, USA. It is entered with Steamship Mutual (Americas Syndicate) on behalf of Seastreak LLC.