Coast Guard, state, local agencies respond to ferry aground in Boston Harbor

united states coast guard 

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 1st District Northeast
Contact: 1st District Public Affairs
Office: (617) 223-8515
After Hours: (617) 717-9609
1st District online newsroom

Coast Guard, state, local crews respond to ferry aground in Boston Harbor

Coast Guard Station Point Allerton crew members act as the on-scene coordinator during the grounding of the ferry Lightning in Boston Harbor, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019. The cause of the incident is under investigation. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Station Point Allerton).
Coast Guard Station Point Allerton crew members respond during the grounding of the ferry Lightening in Boston Harbor, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019. The cause of the incident is under investigation. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Station Point Allerton). A Boston Police marine unit monitors the safe transfer of passengers from the grounded ferry Lightning to the ferry Sanctuary in Boston Harbor, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019. The incident is under investigation. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Station Point Allerton.)

Editors' Note: Click on images to download high-resolution version.

BOSTON — Coast Guard, state, and local rescue crews responded to an aground ferry Friday off Long Island in Boston Harbor.

At approximately 7:45 a.m., J.P. Vega, operations manager for Boston Harbor Cruises, called Coast Guard Sector Boston watchstanders to report the ferry Lightening ran aground with 84 people aboard. 

Station Boston and Point Allerton rescue crews launched, along with state and local partner agencies.

Four people were injured and brought to Black Falcon Cruise Terminal to awaiting emergency medical services. They were transported to various hospitals in Boston. 

The ferry Lightening got underway under its own power to dock in Charlestown. 

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

-USCG-