Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said this afternoon that no criminal charges have been filed in connection with a Staten Island ferry boat accident last night that left more than a dozen with minor injuries.

He says it appears to be just an accident, although the Staten Island district attorney will continue to investigate the incident.

The Coast Guard says the John J. Marchi Ferry lost power at around 7 p.m. as it was pulling into Slip 5 at the St. George Ferry Terminal and crashed into the pier.

Passengers say there was an announcement from the pilothouse to hold on or sit down before the boat made impact.

Fifteen people were treated for minor injuries.

"It was like hitting a wall in a car. Luckily I was sitting down," said one passenger. "But, unfortunately, other people, I'm sure, were standing up, and were unbalanced."

The crash caused minor cosmetic damage to the boat and the pier.

The Department of Transportation, which operates the ferry, says it appears the crew followed proper procedure. Crew members will undergo routine drug and alcohol testing.

Most riders who spoke with NY1 this morning said they had no problem getting on the boat. However, there were some that had concerns.

"You kind of wonder about these newer boats," said one rider. "I still like the older boats; they seem to be a little bit more reliable."

"The newer boats seem to be out of service a lot more than the older boats," said another rider. "But we've got to embrace modern technology."

"It's kind of nervewracking because I take the ferry all the time," said a third. "It's scary that they had a crash with such skilled operators. I'm hoping that today that when I get on we make it to the other side safely."

While no one was seriously hurt, the crash brought back memories of the 2003 crash of the Andrew J. Barberi at that same terminal that killed 11 people.

There have been more than 100 lawsuits launched against the city since that crash. The city has paid out tens of millions of dollars to settle those claims.