CG Investigates Ferry Accident

The Coast Guard is working to determine what caused a 207 ft Burlington, Vt. based ferry to strike a pier here at 5:20 p.m. Jan. 30, causing injury to passengers and crew.

Initial reports were that upon impact, a crewmember and two passengers aboard the ferry, the Cumberland, suffered minor injuries.

All three were taken to a local hospital. Their conditions are unknown.

There are no reports of flooding, fire, or pollution.

"The Coast Guard is working very closely and conservatively with the vessel operator to ascertain what led to the accident," said Capt. James McPherson, who is the senior Coast Guard official in Northern New England and responsible for marine safety on Lake Champlain.  "We have assigned a very seasoned marine casualty investigator with over 25 years of experience to investigate the accident."

The Cumberland is a commuter ferry that links Grand Isle to Plattsburgh, N.Y.

The Coast Guard will work with the ferry's owner to assure it is safe for service before being resuming operations.