Report ID: 2026-05-15
NCIC#: Unknown
Officer ID#: Unknown
Traffic Unit 1: Small twin engine recreational boat (Freedom Boat Club vessel)
Occupants: 4 — one 40-year-old male operator; three females (Elizabeth Dankert, age 24, and two 23-year-old females)
Injuries/Fatalities: One fatality — Elizabeth Dankert, 24, of Andover, MA, died at Massachusetts General Hospital; three others injured, expected to survive
Vehicle Damage: Unknown
Property Damage: Unknown
Road Surface: Water — Boston Harbor
Manner of Impact: Boat struck the Runway 4R pier extending into Boston Harbor from Boston Logan International Airport
Pedestrian/Cyclist Location: N/A
Narrative
On the night of Wednesday, May 14, 2026, just before 11:30 p.m., a small twin engine recreational boat crashed into the Runway 4R pier extending into Boston Harbor from Boston Logan International Airport, killing 24-year-old Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dankert of Andover, MA, and injuring the three other occupants aboard. The boat, owned by Freedom Boat Club’s Seaport location, was reportedly taken without authorization and operated well after the club had closed for the day, according to a spokesperson for the Brunswick Corporation, which owns Freedom Boat Club.
All four occupants were thrown onto the rocks along the shore upon impact and subsequently rescued by Boston EMS under challenging conditions, including darkness and slippery rocks. All four were transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where Dankert succumbed to her injuries; the remaining three are expected to survive.
The Suffolk District Attorney’s Office has identified the deceased, and investigators with multiple agencies have confirmed that all aspects of the crash remain under active investigation. No charges have been filed and the boat operator has not been publicly named. Full details are developing.
When a young life is tragically lost in a preventable incident, families are often left with overwhelming grief and unanswered legal questions. If you or someone you love has been affected by a fatal boating accident or similar incident, understanding your rights begins with obtaining the official incident report. You can get your free crash report here as a first step toward seeking the answers and accountability your family deserves.
