Florida transport officials say captain's error caused ferry strike on boarding ramp

He then adjusted the other engine's throttle to see whether it was also unresponsive, and this action resulted in a reduction in power for that engine.

The JTA said the reduction in power in one engine meant that the counterforce to the propulsion generated by the engine on the opposite end of the ferry was also reduced. The vessel then headed in the opposite direction and ended up striking the ramp.

The captain claimed he had previously encountered issues with the ferry's throttle but that the vessel itself was still able to operate on its assigned route, according to the JTA report.