Falmouth Ferry Jumper Fined $2,500: Coast Guard

FALMOUTH, MA — An accused ferry jumper was issued a $2,500 fine in Falmouth, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Luke Garrity, 18, jumped off the Island Queen ferry from Falmouth to Martha's Vineyard June 23, according to the Coast Guard.

Intentionally jumping off a passenger vessel violates maritime code and endangers others, officials said.

"Jumping into the water from a certificated passenger vessel, such as a tour boat or charter vessel, is not only dangerous for the person jumping, but it also endangers the lives of others onboard," Commander Brian McSorley, deputy sector commander of Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England, said in a statement. "Commercial passenger vessel crews are responsible for the safety of all passengers aboard their vessels and, in this case, their attention was diverted away from the safe operation of the vessel in order to try and retrieve the jumper from the water."

A second man was also fined $2,500 for jumping off the Block Island ferry in Rhode Island. Andrew Meyers, 19, is accused of jumping off of the Anna C in Block Island on July 28.