Fossella Calls for End to Coast Guard/FBI Turf Battle in the Event of a Terrorist Attack in U.S. Waterways

Fossella Says Ambiguity Could Undermine Response to Terror Attack on the SI Ferry

[Washington, DC] – Congressman Vito Fossella (R-NY13) today called on two federal agencies to resolve an ongoing dispute over who would serve as the lead responder in the event of a terrorist attack in U.S. waterways.

Fossella said a turf battle between the United States Coast Guard and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) could hamper the federal response to a terrorist attack aboard passenger and cargo vessels, including the Staten Island Ferry. In letters today to Secretary Michael Chertoff, Department of Homeland Security, and Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez, Fossella urged the agencies to establish regulations that delineate each agencies responsibilities in the event of a terrorist attack, including who serves as lead responder.

“This turf battle has the potential to undermine search-and-rescue operations as well as follow-up investigations if a terrorist attack were to occur on the Ferry or another vessel,” Fossella said. “The 65,000 people who ride the Ferry every day need to know that all federal responders are working hand-in-hand to protect their safety and security. Our nation must be fully prepared to respond to a terrorist threat at a moments notice. It is essential that the agencies come to a resolution that would establish who will serve as lead responder during an attack. The establishment of clear jurisdictional lines of responsibility would ensure that not a moment is sacrificed or lost in the event of an attack.”

Fossella’s call for action comes just days after the Department of Justice Inspector General released a report that revealed that both the United States Coast Guard and the FBI believe they each possess the authority to serve as the lead responder to an attack. The report said that during a simulated attack on a ferry at a joint training exercise in Connecticut last year, the agencies could not agree on who had the authority to respond. The report warned, “Unless such differences over roles and authorities are resolved, the response to a maritime incident could be confused and potentially dangerous.”

The Justice Department report also questions the Coast Guard’s Maritime Operational Threat Response (MOTR), a document developed by the agency last year defining its role as the lead responder in maritime threat situations.
 
 “The agencies agree that passenger vessels and cargo ships are vulnerable targets for terrorist to hijack or attack by a small boat loaded with explosives,” Fossella said. “Now they must come to an agreement of who will serve as the lead responder should an attack occur.”

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