Empty Van Rolls off Ferry, Captain Suffers Heart Attack

An empty minivan rolled off a ferry crossing on the St. Lawrence River along New York’s northern border with Canada.

Horne’s Ferry was under way Tuesday afternoon between Cape Vincent in Jefferson County and Wolfe Island, Ontario when the van began to roll, knocked down lifted ramp on the ship’s side and fell into the water.

Three people traveling in the van were standing on the ferry’s deck when the vehicle went into the river.

State police said the ferry owner suffered an apparent heart attack after the accident and was taken to Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown.

A dive team and salvage crew were called in to retrieve the minivan. The ferry service is now shut down for the season.