Coast Guard: Passenger ferries a prime target

Aug 15, 2003 12:00 PM

Large passenger ferries, such as the ones that carry citizens between Manhattan and Staten Island, New York, pose the greatest risk of terrorism in maritime transportation, the U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security warn.

According to a Coast Guard study, large ferries received the highest risk assessment score among 80 maritime terrorist scenarios, tying with a ship carrying hazardous cargo near an urban area. DHS has also issued a bulletin warning that terrorists are scouting U.S. ferry systems for possible attack.

There are two U.S. ferry systems considered "large" by the Coast Guard: The Staten Island ferry system and the Washington State Ferry -- each system includes boats that carry more than 2,000 people.

According to New York Newsday, the New York City Transportation Department has already barred vehicles to be transported on the boats -- as a response to the Sept. 11 attacks. The Coast Guard has also increased patrols in New York Harbor.

Scenarios that were given lower probability ratings in the risk assessment include: a weapon of mass destruction being detonated on U.S. soil in a shipping container (lower because the containers are now tracked); and cruise ships (lower because of extensive passenger and baggage screening measures).

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