VESSEL: Ferry
TYPE: Collision
DATE: August 29, 1960
SIZE:
BUILT: 1922
BUILDER:
LOCATION: Hudson River off lower Manhattan, New York

SUMMARY:
The ferry Chatham was struck by the rail-car carrier Seatrain Georgia in heavy morning fog on the Hudson River between Hokoken and Manhattan. The Chatham was approaching its slip at Barclay Street after completing a 7 minute voyage across the Hudson when the 503 foot long Seatrain Georgia attempted to pass in front of ferry, but struck just behind the funnel along the starboard hull. The Chatham sustained a 40 to 50 foot wide hole and 2 feet depth, but only 1 compartment flooded. When authorities first heard of the collision, a fireboat, Coast Guard helicopter and cutter, and a police launch was sent to assist. The police evacuated some of the passengers off the ferry using a lifeboat, but many chose to remain aboard. Multiple tugs arrived on site and were able to nudge the ferry to its Manhattan slip at Chamber Street. There were 13 people injured during the incident and taken to Beekman-Downtown hospital. The Chatham was later salvaged.

REFERENCE:
Gloucester County Times (Woodbury, New Jersey). August 29, 1960. Page 2.
The New York Times (New York, New York). August 30, 1960. Page 1.
The Mariners’ Museum and Park https://catalogs.marinersmuseum.org/object/ARI77975