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Captain’s error caused ferry crash: NTSB

Federal investigators say a captain’s error led to a ferry crash that injured 80 people last year in Lower Manhattan.

National Transportation Safety Board investigators released the findings of the Jan. 9, 2013, crash on Tuesday.

They say Jason Reimer “inadvertently” left the Seastreak Wall Street on a seldom-used backup system.

Reimer switched to the backup to correct a problem during the trip from New Jersey, but failed to switch back for docking.

Investigators blamed Seastreak for “ineffective oversight” and say Reimer’s error was compounded by confusing controls.

The board also renewed a call for data recorders on vessels.

Seastreak spokesman Tom Wynne says the company hasn’t seen the findings, but that it is “actively engaged” in running a safe ferry operation.

A message left at a number listed under Reimer’s name was not immediately returned.