Official admits negligence in ”03 ferry crash

NEW YORK – The top-ranking city official charged in the deadly Staten Island ferry crash in 2003 – one of the worst mass-transit disasters in city history – has pleaded guilty to negligent manslaughter.

Patrick Ryan admitted in court Friday that he chose not to implement or enforce a rule requiring ferries be operated by two pilots whenever at sea.

The vessel crashed Oct. 15, 2003, after a lone skipper in the pilot house, Richard Smith, passed out. Eleven passengers were killed and dozens of people were maimed when the ferry slammed into a maintenance pier.

Ryan, 53, the city’s chief of ferry operations, faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison. He appeared to be at a loss when asked by U.S. District Judge Edward Korman why he didn’t make sure the two-pilot rule was observed.

“I’ve searched my heart and soul for why,” Ryan said. “I can’t tell you why.”

He faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison.

Another defendant, former port captain John Mauldin, also pleaded guilty Friday to lying to investigators. Smith, the pilot, is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to 11 counts of negligent manslaughter.

Along with the deaths, dozens of people were maimed after Smith blacked out because of fatigue and painkillers, allowing the ferry to slam into a maintenance pier.