STATEMENT OF NTSB CHAIRMAN ELLEN G. ENGLEMAN CONCERNING TESTIMONY OF STATEN ISLAND FERRY CAPTAIN

National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Ellen G. Engleman today issued the following statement regarding the Board's investigation into the accident involving the Staten Island ferry on October 15:

The National Transportation Safety Board began investigating the tragic accident involving the Staten Island ferry, Andrew J. Barberi, within hours after it struck a pier, killing 10 of its passengers, and injuring 70 others.

As part of its investigation, it has sought the testimony of the vessel's Captain, and, after numerous attempts to arrange a meeting, served on October 21 a subpoena for him to appear before NTSB investigators the next day. He has declined to appear.

We have asked the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York to enforce that subpoena in federal court, and that action has been taken today.

I am committed to utilizing all tools at our disposal to advance our investigation in the aggressive pursuit of ensuring the safety of the traveling public.

NTSB Press Contact: 202-314-6100

U.S. Attorney contact: William J. Muller, 718-254-6258