10 Injured in San Francisco Ferry Accident

Coast Guard officials are investigating how the accident occurred.

ByABC News
October 13, 2014, 7:47 AM

— -- Ten people were injured after a ferry accident in San Francisco Sunday, Coast Guard officials said.

The ferry boat Peralta was carrying passengers to Oakland when it hit a piling at Pier 41 at 5:45 p.m. local time.

Darryl Pham was riding on the ferry when the accident happened.

“I kind of saw it coming. A lot of people didn’t, and it just hit the pylon and I saw kids flying, and it was pretty bad,” Pham told ABC station KGO-TV in San Francisco.

Coast Guard officials are investigating how the accident occurred.

The passengers’ injuries were described as minor to moderate, mostly neck and back pain. All the injured passengers were taken to the hospital for observation.

Richard Ricks’ wife and nephew were among those transported. Ricks said his nephew has a gash over his eye.

“The people have come forth and they’ve rendered apologies, and they’re doing everything they can to comfort us, so we’re appreciative of that,” Ricks told KGO.

The Peralta is operated by the Blue and Gold Fleet. The ferry sustained minor paint damage in the accident.

The company declined to comment, saying statements are coming through the Water Emergency Transportation Authority, which administers all San Francisco Bay Ferry routes.