Two Ferries Collide In Foggy Boston Harbor

Tuesday, July 10th 2007, 8:59 am

By: News On 6

BOSTON (AP) _ Two ferries carrying more than 150 commuters collided in the fog of Boston Harbor early Tuesday. There were no reports of serious injuries, a Coast Guard spokesman said.

The ferry boat Massachusetts, inbound from Hingham with 151 people on board, collided with the ferry boat Laura, which had just four crew members on board, at about 7:30 a.m., Petty Officer Zach Zubricki said.

The collision was near South Boston. Emergency medical services met the Massachusetts at Rowe's Wharf, Zubricki said.

One man suffered cuts on his fingers but refused medical attention, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority spokesman Joe Pesaturo said.

It wasn't immediately clear how fast the boats were traveling when they collided. ``The fog is thick and visibility is terrible,'' Zubricki said.

Both ferries remained afloat after the collision, although the Massachusetts had visible damage, including a gash about 3 1/2 feet long and a broken window near its front. The Laura had an estimated $10,000 in damage. Both boats were taken out of service, but Pesaturo did not anticipate a service interruption between Boston and Hingham.

The boats are privately owned, but contract with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority for commuter services. The 101-foot Laura is owned by Boston Harbor Cruises and the 88-foot Massachusetts is owned by Massachusetts Bay Lines Inc.

Neither company immediately returned phone messages left by The Associated Press.

The Coast Guard is investigating the crash.