Engine Malfunction Causes Collision Between Boats In Boston Harbor

BOSTON (CBS) – Passengers aboard the Regency, a Boston Harbor Cruises ship, experienced quite a jolt as the ship returned on Saturday morning to Long Wharf in Boston.

The Regency's captain was unable to disengage from forward propulsion on the outboard starboard engine when the boat lost power as he approached Long Wharf. The problem was caused by a malfunction in one of the boat's four engines.

As a result, the Regency collided with three other boats, Rookie, Aurora, and Boston Harbor Cruises' Codzilla boat. The collision happened around 10:20 a.m. Saturday.

Witnesses said the Regency was coming in too fast. Myron, who sells T-shirts nearby, said he saw the whole thing.

"The rear of the Regency ended up scratching the rear of the Codzilla, and then the side of the Regency ended up making contact with the docked MBTA water taxi that's bound for Charlestown," Myron told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karyn Regal.

Passengers were aboard the Rookie and Aurora at the time, but none were injured.

"One of the operators tried to assure the passengers that were standing on the top deck of the Regency to calm down," said Myron. "Looked like they were feeling a little uncomfortable."

Tourists excited to board the Codzilla were told their ride was cancelled.

"Very frustrating, especially when I wanted to go so bad on it," said one tourist.

Some minor damage was reported, but the Coast Guard said there was no pollution in the water resulting from the crash.

Shattered glass and some light damage could be seen above the Regency's water line.

The Coast Guard will inspect all three boats before returning them to service. They said in a statement later Saturday evening that the Codzilla would have to be repaired before taking passengers again.

"We sincerely apologize to all those aboard for this situation," Boston Harbor Cruises said in a statement. "BHC will work closely with investigators from the USCG in the coming days to complete the formal investigation."

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karyn Regal reports