Two people, including a 7-year-old boy, were killed after a boat capsized in the Hudson River near the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum on Tuesday afternoon, Police Commissioner Keechant said. Sewell.
“This is a tragic day for New Yorkers,” Sewell said at a news conference around 5:30 pm Tuesday. “In fact, it could have been worse were it not for the incredible effort of not only our own extraordinary first responders, but also the quick response of the NY Waterway ferries, who rescued nine more people from the water.”
Police deployed divers to recover an adult female in the water, but the woman was unresponsive, Sewell said. FDNY marine divers recovered the 7-year-old boy, who was also unresponsive, he said. Both were later declared dead.
The woman was 50 years old, FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said.
Two other people who were on the boat are in critical condition, Kavanagh added. Another is in critical but stable condition, the fire commissioner said, and eight others are injured but in stable condition.
“It’s a stark reminder to us as we move into the summer months, the water is a nice part of New York, but it can be a dangerous place,” Mayor Eric Adams said at the news conference.
“My heart breaks for everyone involved in today’s tragic boating accident,” the mayor also wrote in a message on social networks.
“Two lives were lost, including that of a 7-year-old boy. This is a devastating time for their families and our city.
“I am grateful to the rescuers who rushed to help rescue 11 other people,” the message continues.
My heart breaks for all those involved in today’s tragic boating accident.
Two lives were lost, including a 7-year-old boy. This is a devastating moment for their families and our city.
I am grateful to the first responders who rushed in to help rescue 11 others. pic.twitter.com/U1i1bNz2eG
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) July 12, 2022
The vessel capsized near Pier 86, directly across from the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, just before 3 p.m., authorities said.
The investigation into how the boat capsized is ongoing, according to authorities. The boat was still in the water at Chelsea Piers late Tuesday night. Twelve people were on board when she capsized, authorities said.
The owner of the boat was following him on a jet ski and the captain who was driving the boat is in critical condition, according to authorities. The captain was licensed, according to the NYPD.
“The Hudson River is always a dangerous place to operate,” said NYPD Inspector Anthony Russo, the commanding officer of the department’s port unit.
–
