New York
Federal investigators suspect human error in the crash of a Staten Island ferry last week, which claimed 10 lives and left about 65 wounded. The 3,300-ton ferry was moving at full throttle when it smashed into a concrete pier. As pilings and steel girders snapped and swung through the gutted ferry, some passengers had limbs torn off and others were decapitated. The assistant captain who was piloting the ferry, Richard Smith, fled the carnage and attempted suicide, later telling police he had collapsed at the controls. The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a subpoena for his blood and urine samples. The board also wants to interview the ferry’s captain, Michael Gansas, who some witnesses say rushed to the pilothouse as the ferry raced toward the dock. “By the time the other captain could get control of the ship,” said one city official, “it was too late.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Today's political cartoons - May 18, 2024Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - a rocky road, innovative legislation, and more
-
5 arguably hilarious cartoons about the 2024 presidential debateCartoons Artists take on the candidates' age gap, sleepyheads, and more
-
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: a solid summer blockbusterThe Week Recommends The big-money movie might be 'a bit silly' but the effects are excellent
