On January 4, 2001, the domestic high-speed vessel Finest, with 258 passengers, 5 crewmembers, and one company official on board, ran aground outside the channel to the Shrewsbury River, sandy Hook Bay, while en route from New York City, NY, to Highlands, New Jersey. The Finest refloated after the tide changed and proceeded to sandy Hook Bay Marina, where it docked and discharged its passengers. No one on board suffered any injury, and the vessel sustained no damage. The major safety issues in this report are the adequacy of the navigational procedures and navigational aids in the Shrewsbury River and the appropriateness of alcoholic beverage service after an accident. The Safety Board's recommendation to the U.S. Coast Guard and to New York Fast Ferry services are included.