Ferries Collide Near Sydney Harbor Pier, Seven Passengers Treated For Minor Injuries, Services Suspended Briefly

Sydney, Australia— Ferries collided near a Sydney Harbor pier on October 31, 2026, leaving seven passengers treated for minor injuries and disrupting morning commuter services.

The collision happened at 8:25 a.m. near Circular Quay, at Wharf 3, as one ferry was docking and another was departing. Both are Inner Harbour ferries operated by Transdev. One was the 7:50 a.m. service from Parramatta. The other was an outbound service to Balmain. They bumped at low speed, about 5 knots.

Transport for NSW said seven passengers were treated by paramedics at the wharf. All had minor injuries, bruises and cuts from being thrown off balance. No one was hospitalized. One elderly woman was taken to hospital as a precaution. Both crews were unhurt. Both vessels stayed afloat.

Witnesses said the arriving ferry misjudged its approach and hit the side of the departing ferry near the stern. A loud bang was heard. Passengers grabbed rails. Coffee spilled. One commuter said people fell onto each other. Another said crew shouted to stay seated. The pier shook.

Harbor services were suspended for 40 minutes. Three other ferries were held outside the quay. Commuters crowded the wharf. Opal readers showed delays. Bus replacements were not needed because services resumed quickly. By 9:15 a.m., both damaged ferries were moved.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said it would investigate. It would review CCTV from the wharf, vessel data recorders and radio communications. Early reports said sun glare may have obscured visibility. Low tide meant less room to maneuver. Both captains had more than 10 years experience.

Sydney’s ferry network carries more than 15 million passengers a year. Collisions are rare but not unheard of. A similar bump happened in 2021 at the same wharf. Union said staffing levels were tight and turnaround times short. Transport for NSW said safety was paramount.

Damage was minor. One ferry had a dented hull plate and scratched paint. The other had a bent fender. Both were taken out of service for inspection. Passengers were given alternative services and refunds.

By midday, harbor traffic was normal. The seven injured had left the wharf. The investigation was just starting. The pier showed only a fresh scrape on its timber.