[Updated] Passenger Vessel Hits Pier in Baltimore

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating an allision that occurred when the passenger vessel Spirit of Baltimore struck the pier at Henderson Wharf Marina in Baltimore on Sunday morning. 

There were 447 people aboard the vessel at the time of the incident. The vessel's hull reportedly sustained cosmetic damage, and 60-feet of pier was reportedly damaged. 

The cause of the incident is still under investigation. There is currently no report of pollution.

The vessel’s operator, Entertainment Cruises, claims to be the U.S.’ largest dining and sightseeing cruise company with a fleet of 30 ships in cities that include: Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, National Harbor, MD, Norfolk, VA, Philadelphia, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Washington, D.C. and Weehawken, NJ.

Dan Leaman, spokesman for Entertainment Cruises, parent company of Spirit Cruises, has issued a statement saying: “Spirit Cruises takes the safety of our passengers, community and shipmates very seriously. The company is conducting a full investigation and cooperating fully with the United States Coast Guard regarding the incident that occurred in the early hours of August 28.

“Early Sunday morning, the Spirit of Baltimore vessel was returning from its scheduled cruise when it went off course and struck the dock at Henderson Wharf Marina. There were 412 passengers onboard at the time; two passengers were taken to the hospital with minor injuries and have since been released. The dock was damaged and there were minor scrapes to two recreational watercraft that were berthed at the marina.

“The Spirit of Baltimore vessel did not incur structural or mechanical damage and has been cleared for sailing by the Coast Guard. Cruises are continuing as scheduled.

“The captain involved in the incident has been suspended pending further investigation.”