Alcatraz City Cruises ferry slams into SF's Pier 31, shattering passenger windows

A ferry carrying passengers struck Pier 31 while docking Sunday evening. Multiple windows were broken, and passengers reported the impact knocking people off their feet. Several riders described the collision as frightening, with some saying the boat shook violently and turned a scenic trip into a terrifying experience. One passenger said a woman tumbled down a staircase during the incident. Other passengers said they feared the ferry might sink and questioned why crew members did not clearly communicate what was happening. Some passengers also criticized the crew’s apparent lack of experience, based on their reactions during the docking collision.

"Video shows the vessel striking the pier as it docked, with several passengers saying the impact knocked people off their feet and turned a scenic trip into a frightening experience. Olivia RiosAcuña said her son expected a good day because he loves boats, but the collision made it the worst day ever. She said the family spent much of the day on the deck before going downstairs as the ferry prepared to dock, then heard a loud noise and felt the whole boat shake."

"RiosAcuña said the vessel struck the pier multiple times, shattering windows and causing panic among passengers. She said one woman tumbled down a staircase during the incident. Genesis Alcocer said she did not immediately realize the extent of the damage but feared the worst, saying she thought the ferry might sink because she is not a strong swimmer. Alcocer also said crew members did not initially communicate what was happening, and that their faces showed panic even if they did not make a big deal of it."

"Alcocer said the people working on the ferry were not making a big deal about the situation, but passengers could tell they were panicking. Daniel Aburto questioned the crew’s experience, saying his first thought was that it might be the crew’s first day. He said he could not believe the docking collision happened, implying there was no way it was normal or expected behavior during docking."

Read at ABC7 San Francisco