Coast Guard Fines Man For Jumping Off Of Block Island Ferry

NARRAGANSETT, RI — The Coast Guard issued a $2,500 fine to a man who jumped off of the Block Island Ferry in July. Intentionally jumping off of a passenger vessel violates maritime code and endangers others, Coast Guard officials said.

According to the Coast Guard, Andrew Meyers, 19, is accused of jumping off of the "Anna C" in Block Island on July 28.

"Jumping into the water from a certificated passenger vessel, such as a tour boat or charter vessel, is not only dangerous for the person jumping, but it also endangers the lives of others onboard," said Commander Brian McSorley, the deputy sector commander of Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England. "Commercial passenger vessel crews are responsible for the safety of all passengers aboard their vessels and, in this case, their attention was diverted away from the safe operation of the vessel in order to try and retrieve the jumper from the water."

A second man was also fined $2,500 for jumping off of the Island Queen ferry, which runs from Falmouth, Massachusetts to Martha's Vineyard. Luke Garrity, 19, is believed to have intentionally jumped off of the ferry on June 23, the Coast Guard said.