NEW YORK, Aug 4 (AFP) - The pilot of a ferry that crashed in New York killing 11 commuters last October pleaded guilty Wednesday to manslaughter and lying about his medical history.
Assistant Captain Richard Smith admitted in a Brooklyn court that he had blacked out at the ferry's controls because of medication he was taking for high blood pressure.
Smith said he had lied about his condition when applying to renew his pilot's license in 2000. "I thought I would jeopardize my job," he told the judge.
The ferry, carrying commuters from Manhattan to Staten Island, slammed into a pier on October 15, killing 11 people and causing horrific injuries as the side of the vessel was peeled open by pilings lining the dock.
Smith had attempted suicide immediately after the crash.
"There are no words to adequately express his deep sorrow and remorse for this tragic day," Smith's attorney told reporters outside the courtroom. "Captain Smith's prayers are with the victims and their families."
Several relatives of those who died were angered by the fact that, in light of Smith's plea, he will face no more than 41 months in prison under federal guidelines.
"If anyone wants to spend a night with us in our house and see what we go through, you'll see it's not enough," said Vincent Ferrante, whose son was killed.
It was the worst accident in the ferry service's 98-year history. A similar incident in 1995 injured 18, but none died.