On Oct. 29, storm waters roared in from the nearby harbor into South Ferry, filling it 80 feet deep, said acting MTA chief Fernando Ferrer.

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The Star Ferry, which has crossed the harbor since 1880 and is one of the city's big tourist draws, docks next to the duck.

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The free boat ride takes about 25 minutes and the ball field, which has sweeping views of New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline, is adjacent to the ferry terminal.

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Even as the cruise ship was still being towed to harbor, Carnival announced plans to accommodate passengers in local hotels and ferry them home on charter flights as soon as possible.

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While further details about the proposal weren't available, Plaza appears to be trying to tap into the stream of tourists who ride the ferry from Lower Manhattan to Staten Island every day for a free harbor ride that offers views of the Statue of Liberty and the Lower Manhattan skyline.

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