FDNY Fireboat’s Unsafe Speed Causes Tragic Accident: A Coast Guard Report Reveals the Devastating Consequences
In a tragic accident that occurred on June 17, 2022, a visiting Belgian firefighter lost his life during a pleasure cruise on an FDNY fireboat. The cause of the accident, as revealed by a recently obtained Coast Guard probe, points to the reckless operation and “unsafe speed” of the fireboat. The collision with a private fishing boat resulted in the death of Johnny Beernaert, leaving his wife Heidi Vermandel devastated and filing a lawsuit against the city. The findings of the investigation shed light on negligence and protocol failures within the FDNY.
According to the Coast Guard report, the FDNY fireboat, Marine 1 Bravo, was speeding along the East River at a top speed of 28 mph. Meanwhile, the private fishing boat, Honcho, was traveling at a maximum speed of 6 mph. The reckless speed of the fireboat left the operator of Honcho with only two seconds to react to the impending collision. The report also highlights that there was no lookout on board the fireboat, nor was radar used to detect other vessels.
The accident took everyone by surprise, as no one on the fireboat saw the crash coming. The collision resulted in Johnny Beernaert’s death due to blunt force injuries to the head and neck. The report emphasizes that there were no protocols in place for approving unofficial sightseeing tours requested by FDNY members for friends and family. This fatal flaw has since been addressed following a review by the city Department of Investigation.
The Honcho pilot spotted the approaching FDNY boat but assumed it would course correct. The survivors of the fireboat testified that they had no indication that a collision was imminent. Sadly, Beernaert could not be revived and passed away in his wife’s arms. What was meant to be a joyous trip turned into a devastating disaster for the couple.
Johnny Beernaert, a sergeant in the Belgium army and a father of twins, had plans to retire in a year but continue working as a firefighter, paramedic, and rescue diver. His wife Heidi Vermandel, who witnessed the tragic accident, has filed a lawsuit against both NYC and New York Boat Tours. The Coast Guard report, which has yet to be publicly released, has been provided to Vermandel, the FDNY, and NYC Boat Tours. The findings of the report may lead to private mediation for a possible settlement.
The accident occurred after retired FDNY captain Stephen Lonergan requested to take the fireboat on a cruise with Johnny Beernaert and their wives. The commanding officer on duty approved the impromptu excursion without consulting higher-ups. Firefighter Thomas Waller was assigned as the pilot, but he made the mistake of assuming that Lonergan and Beernaert would act as lookouts. This assumption proved fatal, as there were no designated lookouts on board.
The fireboat circled the Statue of Liberty, allowing the guests to take photos, before heading to the Brooklyn Bridge for more pictures. The report acknowledges that bright lights along the shore at Brooklyn Bridge Park and dense traffic congestion on the waterway likely hindered Waller’s ability to see the Honcho. However, it also states that Waller could have avoided the collision if he had been traveling at a slower speed.
The Coast Guard report criticizes the FDNY’s practice of allowing higher-ups and VIPs to use fireboats for pleasure cruises without oversight or impediment. The sightseeing tours that were commonly undertaken by FDNY associated persons for entertainment lacked proper protocols and put lives at risk.
The tragic death of Johnny Beernaert serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and responsible operation of emergency vehicles. The findings of the Coast Guard report shed light on the negligence and failures within the FDNY that contributed to this devastating accident. As the city grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, it is crucial to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future through stricter regulations and enforcement.
