Boat Crash Claims Life of Woman Near Logan Airport
BOSTON, MA — A small twin-engine boat crashed into a runway pier at Logan International Airport late Wednesday night, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.
According to the Suffolk District Attorney's Office, 24-year-old Elizabeth Dankert of Andover was killed in the crash. She was aboard the boat with two female friends, both 23 years old, and a 40-year-old man when the vessel collided with the pier shortly before 11:30 p.m. All four occupants were rescued by Boston EMS and transported to Massachusetts General Hospital. Dankert later succumbed to her injuries; the other three are expected to recover.
Authorities confirmed the boat was taken from Freedom Boat Club “without authorization.” The club stated the vessel operated outside normal protocols, well after closing hours. Investigators are looking into the circumstances of the crash, but no charges have been announced, nor has the identity of the boat operator been released.
Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) noted that the incident did not affect airport operations, although Runway 4R was temporarily closed for emergency response and investigation.
Freedom Boat Club has expressed its cooperation with the ongoing investigation, emphasizing that this incident did not align with standard operational procedures. All aspects of the case remain under review by law enforcement.
Witnesses reported challenging conditions during the rescue, including darkness and slippery rocks along the shore.