Report: Seastreak Captain Says Mechanics to Blame for Ferry Crash

The captain of the Seastreak ferry told federal investigators that mechanical problems are to blame for the Wednesday crash in Lower Manhattan, according to the Star Ledger.

Capt. Jason Reimer, who has been identified as a local resident, told the National Transportation Safety Board Thursday that the vessel's controls "did not respond" when he approached Pier 1 from Highlands Wednesday morning. The ensuing crash left more than 70 people injured.

"Both diesel engines shut off," National Transportation Safety Board member Robert Sumwalt told the newspaper. 

The Seastreak was recently updated with new engines and a modified propulsion system, the paper reported.

The federal investigators also interviewed Reimer's crew and Seastreak's engineer and are scheduled to inspect the vessel's systems and damage today.

The Safety Board asks any witnesses to the incident to email witness@ntsb.gov.