1. The Staten Island Ferries Have Been Plagued by Many Tragedies and Accidents

Despite the fact that there are some fun false rumors of tragedy (like in our last fact) there have also been a great deal of real tragedies that has befallen the ferry system. In 1871, one of the ferries was sitting at its docking station at Whitehall when its boiler exploded killing at least 85 five individuals.

Later, in 1901, a ferry was leaving the Whitehall port when a Jersey Central Ferry rammed into its side causing the boat to sink almost instantly. Fortunately out of the 995 passengers aboard the ship only five lost their lives. This major incident was what ended private operations of the city’s ferry systems, moving into the control of the City’s hands.

Even as the City took control, accidents still happened. A bombing, deadly machete attack, and numerous other collisions would occur over the course of the 1900s.

In what we’re sure will come as a relief to most New Yorkers, the ferry has been incredibly safe over the last couple of years with the last major event occurring in 2003 where the collision with a maintenance pier caused the death of 11 people. While this is still a recent and painful memory there is absolutely no need to worry as the Staten Island Ferry takes every precaution to be as safe as physically possible.

Next, check out 4 Times NYC Was Rescued by Ferries and go see the Transit Museum’s exhibition that traces the impact of transportation on Downtown Brooklyn.