Exclusive | NYC to pay $3.5M to widow of Belgian firefighter killed in FDNY fireboat ‘joyride’ crash

A Tragic Incident on the East River: The Loss of Johnny Beernaert

In a heartbreaking turn of events, New York City has agreed to pay $3.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the widow of Johnny Beernaert, a Belgian firefighter who tragically lost his life in a fireboat accident during an unauthorized pleasure cruise along the East River in June 2022. The settlement, approved in Brooklyn federal court, will be distributed to Beernaert’s widow, Heidi Vermandel, who was present during the incident, and their two adult children. While the city did not admit fault in the deadly collision, the agreement comes after a damning Coast Guard investigation that highlighted reckless operation and unsafe speeds as contributing factors to the tragedy.

The incident occurred when the FDNY fireboat, Marine 1 Bravo, collided with a private fishing boat operated by New York City Boat Tours, which has separately agreed to pay Beernaert’s estate an additional $500,000. The collision resulted in fatal injuries to Beernaert, who suffered blunt force trauma to the head and neck when the fishing boat rammed into the fireboat’s cabin. The group, which included Beernaert’s wife, had been enjoying scenic views of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge moments before the crash.

The Unauthorized Joyride and Its Consequences

The ill-fated voyage began when retired FDNY Capt. Stephen Lonergan arrived at the Marine 1 pier in Manhattan around 9 p.m. on June 17, 2022, and requested to take the fireboat on an impromptu sightseeing tour. Despite FDNY marine rules requiring fireboats to be manned by three operators—one officer (a lieutenant or captain) and two firefighters, including one to serve as a lookout—Lonergan and retired firefighter Thomas Waller, who piloted the vessel, deviated from these safety protocols.

Waller later admitted to investigators that he had assumed Lonergan and Beernaert would act as lookouts, a decision the Coast Guard labeled as a fatal mistake. At the time of the collision, the fireboat was traveling at a speed of 28 mph, while the fishing boat was moving at a maximum of 6 mph. This left the operator of the fishing boat with only two seconds to react, a scenario the Coast Guard described as inherently dangerous.

The Coast Guard Investigation and Findings

The Coast Guard’s 28-page report explicitly cited the pilot’s reckless operation and excessive speed as primary causes of the accident. The investigation also shed light on a longstanding issue within the FDNY: the misuse of fireboats for unauthorized sightseeing tours, often at the request of high-ranking officers or their acquaintances. At the time of the incident, the FDNY lacked formal protocols for approving such unofficial tours, a critical oversight that has since been addressed following a review by the New York City Department of Investigation.

This tragedy has raised questions about accountability within the FDNY and the need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols. While the city and other parties involved have agreed to financial settlements, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of negligence and the importance of adhering to established safety procedures.

The Family’s Grief and the Road to Healing

Johnny Beernaert’s death has left his family in unimaginable grief. His widow, Heidi Vermandel, and their two adult children are now forced to navigate life without a beloved husband and father. The family’s lawyer, Paul Hofmann, stated that while they are satisfied with the settlement, they hope to put the tragedy behind them and move forward with their lives.

The loss of Johnny Beernaert is not only a personal tragedy for his family but also a loss for the broader community. His presence and contributions will be deeply missed by all who knew him. As the family works to heal, they are likely finding solace in the memories of Johnny’s life, his dedication to his work as a firefighter, and the love he shared with those closest to him.

The Broader Implications and Calls for Reform

The incident has sparked a larger conversation about the misuse of FDNY resources and the lack of oversight in certain operations. Fireboats, designed for medical emergencies and critical rescue operations, should not be used for unauthorized pleasure cruises. This tragedy highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within the FDNY to ensure that such incidents are never repeated.

In response to the Coast Guard’s findings, the FDNY has implemented reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future. These measures include stricter protocols for the use of fireboats and increased oversight of unauthorized tours. While these changes come too late for Johnny Beernaert and his family, they may help prevent similar losses in the future.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Loss and Lessons Learned

The settlement reached between New York City and Johnny Beernaert’s family provides some measure of financial relief, but it cannot undo the pain caused by this avoidable tragedy. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of accountability, safety protocols, and responsible leadership within institutions like the FDNY.

As the Beernaert family continues to grapple with their loss, they can take some comfort in knowing that Johnny’s death has prompted meaningful changes that may save lives in the future. While the road to healing will be long and difficult, the family’s resilience and strength in the face of such a devastating loss are a testament to the enduring power of love and hope.

In the end, this tragedy underscores the need for vigilance and responsibility in all aspects of public service. By learning from the past, we can work toward a future where such senseless losses are prevented, and the safety of all individuals is prioritized above all else.