Seastreak Ferry runs aground near Highlands

A commuter ferry operated by Seastreak ran aground about 200 yards from the Highlands pier on Thursday night, March 23, according to an announcement by the U.S. Coast Guard.

At approximately 11:15 p.m., watchstanders at Sector New York Command Center were that 95 passengers were aboard the grounded vessel.

A rescue crew from the Sandy Hook Coast Guard Station arrived on scene and oversaw the safe transfer of passengers from the ferry vessel Whaling City Express to the ferry vessel New Jersey.

During the transfer the Whaling City Express re-floated and the Station rescue crew escorted both ferries to the pier.

Sector New York marine investigators are scheduled to conduct an investigation to ensure the integrity of the vessel prior to the vessel operating again.

No injuries or pollution have been reported.