Fourteen feared dead in NYC ferry disaster
Fourteen people have died and 34 others have serious injuries after a ferry in New York City harbour crashed as it docked at Staten Island.
The tragedy occurred around 1500 local time (1900 GMT), Wednesday, as the Staten Island ferry came into St George Terminal from lower Manhattan.
The ferry, travelling at speed, hit the dock causing wooden pilings lining the pier to puncture the side of the vessel, witnesses said.
Several victims lost limbs, some passengers were trapped in piles of debris aboard the ferry; others hearing what sounded like a bomb jumped for their lives.
The cause of the accident is as yet unknown, though wind speeds averaging 25 to 30 miles per hour were recorded, raising questions that the captain lost control of the vessel.
The ferry is used by thousands of New York commuters as well as tourists, who view the Statue of Liberty from its decks.
The ferry, has three levels, and can carry some 6,000 passengers.
An estimated 65,000 people take the 25-minute trip daily.
