STATEN ISLAND FERRY CRASHES INTO DOCK

(CNN) -- A Staten Island Ferry lost power and hit a pier Wednesday at full speed, resulting in one serious injury and nine minor injuries, a Coast Guard spokesman said.Coast Guard boats were on the scene, the St. George Terminal on the north shore of Staten Island. The Coast Guard spokesman compared the ferry's loss of power as it neared the pier to a car losing its brakes.

The hard landing occurred at 7:10 p.m., according to the Coast Guard. The New York Fire Department estimated that 750 to 800 passengers were aboard. The impact did not send any passengers overboard, the spokesman said.

Emergency responders were transferring the injured to Staten Island's Richmond University Medical Center.

Representatives for the Staten Island Ferry did not respond to calls for comment.

COMMENT: This unfortunate accident provides legal claims for the injured passengers as well as the crew members will have a Jones Act claim. The unfortunate death of one of the persons also would be compensable. Since the Ferry was well within three (3) miles of a State's shoreline, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) would not apply to the decedent passenger's claim and the wrongful death statute of New York would apply if the decedent was not in the maritime industry. This is a very unfortunate and avoidable maritime accident.

Steve Gordon

Gordon & Elias, L.L.P.