The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(HOUSTON) — Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Galveston along with TXDOT responded to the grounding of the Bolivar Ferry, 60-yards from the ferry landing Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
MSU Galveston received a call at approximately 8:30 a.m. from the ferry dispatch office, which reported the Ray Stoker Jr. had run aground. The ferry was carrying 38 people and 20 cars, and was transiting from the Bolivar Peninsula to Galveston Island when it grounded.
The ferry re-floated and was underway by 9:30 a.m. No injuries to passengers or damage to the vessel has been reported. The Coast Guard has restricted the use of the Ray Stoker Jr. until it is verified that the ferry sustained no damage. Divers will be used to inspect the hull of the vessel.
The Coast Guard is currently investigating the cause of the grounding.
