(November 14, 2004) — While docking at Manhattan's South Street Seaport for a promotional visit in April, the ferry struck the pier, creating a 25-foot scrape and 8-foot gash in the ship's thin aluminum hull.

When Rochesterians heard the news, many thought it must be a prank. It was, after all, April Fool's Day.

But it was no joke and was just one example of CATS' string of bad luck. Already, outside the public eye, the company was dealing with new security regulations related to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the unwelcome publicity about the SARS outbreak in Toronto. The price of diesel fuel nearly doubled to $1.66 cents per gallon in the last year.

After the accident, the ship encountered engine problems that delayed the maiden passenger voyage even longer. The ship would not make its first official trip with passengers until June 17 — nearly seven weeks later than first announced and nearly a year later than first hoped.

"You've got to cut the company some slack because of what happened in New York," said Toronto Port Authority CEO Lisa Raitt.

During the delay, the company amassed nearly $2 million in debt — a hole company officials say they couldn't climb out of.

When it finally did sail, the ferry had hydraulic problems, forcing the cancellation of several voyages. To cap off the poor luck, the state Legislature decided not to allow slot machinelike video lottery terminals on the ship — a much-needed source of revenue for the company.

"If we didn't have 100 percent bad luck, we'd still be in business," said Dominick Delucia, founder and co-owner of the ferry business.