Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Staten Island Ferry Accident Sentencing
By
Jen Chung
Published Jan 10, 2006
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Jan 10, 2006
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
More than two years after the Anthony J. Barberi ferry crashed into wood pilings at the Staten Island Ferry's St. George Ferry Terminal, the ferry's pilot and supervisor were sentenced to prison yesterday. Assistant Captain Richard J. Smith, the pilot, was sentenced to 18 months and ferry supervisor Patrick Ryan was sentenced to 366 days. Smith had been tired and was on various medications during the crash; shortly after, he tried to kill himself. He pleaded guilty last year (to seaman's manslaughter), and expressed his guilt and admitted his responsibility in front of the judge yesterday. Ryan was reprimanded for not following a two-pilot rule for ferry ships. The judge noted that Smith and Ryan did not mean to kill, not requiring heavier sentences, but apparently the sentences were longer than what probation officials recommended. Up next will be how much the city will be liable for in the victims' and victims' families' civil suits.
The SILive.com has extensive background on the crash, including the National Transportation Safety Board's report, profiles of victims, and articles about the investigation and survivors. The crash on October 15, 2003 killed 11 and seriously injured over 70 people among the 1,500 passengers, and it was a horrifying, grisly-looking scene. And here's the city's website about the Staten Island Ferry.
Tagged
crash
George Ferry Terminal
jen chung
national transportation safety board
News: NYC
people
Richard J
safety
staten island
staten island ferry
the city
transportation
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .