Motorboat Crash at Logan Airport Pier Claims One Life, Three Hospitalized
BOSTON, MA—A motorboat crashed into a runway pier at Boston Logan International Airport late Wednesday night, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.
The incident occurred around 11:20 p.m. when a twin-engine recreational boat collided with the Runway 4R pier. According to Massachusetts State Police, all four occupants were transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment. One female passenger, identified as 24-year-old Elizabeth Dankert of Andover, later succumbed to her injuries. The other three passengers are expected to survive.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which involved a boat reported to have been taken without authorization by a 40-year-old male. The Freedom Boat Club, which owns the vessel, stated it was operated outside their protocols and after hours.
Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) reported that the crash had no impact on airport operations, although Runway 4R was temporarily closed for emergency response efforts. Boston EMS confirmed that their teams assisted Massport Fire in extricating the victims from difficult terrain, with one individual described as critically injured.
Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden expressed condolences to Dankert's family and emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
The scene was secured, and the damaged boat has since been towed away. Authorities stated further details will be released as the investigation progresses.