Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dankert Died, Three Others Injured After Boat Crashed Into Logan Pier in Boston
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (May 19, 2026) – A woman identified as Elizabeth Dankert has tragically died in a Boston boat accident by the Logan Airport Pier.
Boston police are saying that the collision occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Elizabeth Dankert was a passenger in a boat with friends when it was involved in a collision with the pier.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the boat crash to help all of the victims. Three people were taken to the hospital to receive treatment. Sadly, Elizabeth Dankert died due to her injuries.
The Freedom Boat Club said the boat involved in the crash was docked in Boston’s Seaport District. That boat was allegedly taken without authorization.
The Suffolk County district attorney’s office said that they are currently investigating the circumstances leading up to the crash. They indicated it could be weeks or even months before their investigation is complete.
At DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, we believe that sharing these heartbreaking stories is a vital part of supporting our local community and keeping the public informed about safety on our waterways. Our hearts go out to the family of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dankert and the three individuals recovering from their injuries after this devastating accident at Logan Pier. Navigating the aftermath of a sudden tragedy can feel entirely overwhelming, which is why our legal team is dedicated to acting as a compassionate resource for grieving families and accident survivors.
Liability for Boston Boat Accidents
Boat operators have a legal obligation to exercise due care at all times, abide by all navigation rules, and operate their vessels in a reasonably safe manner. This necessitates that drivers maintain a safe speed at all times for the prevailing conditions. According to Massachusetts boating laws, boaters must not operate “at an excessive speed considering weather conditions, boat traffic, and other hazards. For inland waters, operating at a speed greater than 45 mph is considered negligent operation.” Many other factors could contribute to a boat accident.
- Inexperience: Operating a boat is substantially different from operating a passenger vehicle. Drivers are much more likely to be involved in a boat collision if they have little to no experience.
- Driver Intoxication: A large portion of boat accidents involve drivers who are intoxicated by alcohol or other substances.
- Inclement Weather: Another major cause of boat accidents is poor weather conditions. Rough waters could lead a driver to lose control of their vessel and capsize.
If a boat operator fails to operate their vessel in a safe manner prior to a collision, this could serve as evidence of negligence. Liability for a boat collision could also extend beyond any specific driver determined to be at fault. For example, a boat rental facility may be liable for a boat accident under the theory of negligent entrustment. Negligent entrustment occurs when a person loans or leases a boat to a person who would not be legally allowed to use it. For example, a boater may have been visibly intoxicated or lacked an appropriate license when they were allowed to operate a vessel.
Evidence Preservation After Boston Boat Accidents
Boat accidents remain a leading cause of preventable injury and death across Massachusetts and the United States. According to the Safe Boating Council, “In 2024, the Coast Guard counted: “3,887 incidents that involved 556 deaths, 2,170 injuries, [and] $88 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating incidents.” It is important that evidence be properly preserved after any boat accident.
- Speed: The speed of the vessel prior to the collision should be determined.
- Boat Maintenance: All of the maintenance records related to the upkeep of the boat should be reviewed. Many accidents involve boats that malfunctioned due to improper upkeep.
- Photos: Lots of photos of the accident site should be taken. Even still photographs can help piece together what happened.
- Rental Records: If a boat was loaned or taken from any location, the record of that transaction should be scrutinized.
It can be hard to know where to begin after any boat crash. To make matters worse, boat rental companies will virtually never accept responsibility if one of their boats is involved in a crash. This is why it is so important that these incidents are thoroughly investigated by an outside party. Victims of boat crashes are protected by a number of laws. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil action.
Investigating Boston Boat Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Elizabeth Dankert. It is our sincere hope that the other victims will be able to make a full recovery. Any person who may have more information should reach out to the coast guard. Many questions remain unanswered at this time. When was the last time this boat was maintained? Did anyone authorize this boat to be taken out?
Do you need more information about a Boston boat accident? Our team of boat safety advocates is here for you. We care deeply that boat accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected through skilled advocacy. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into the unique facts of any case, we are here to serve your needs. You can contact us anytime at 855-342-3552.
