New York boaters hold on for dear life as yacht sinks in city's third major maritime incident in two weeks
Firefighters pulled off a dramatic rescue in the East River Tuesday night, saving three people clinging to a sinking yacht—marking New York City 's third serious boating accident in just two weeks.
According to the FDNY, the vessel struck an object near the Whitestone Bridge by Throgs Neck in the Bronx and began taking on water fast, prompting a frantic 'mayday' call over marine radio.
When Marine 4 arrived on scene, first responders found three boaters hanging onto the vessel—one of them with a head injury—as the current threatened to pull them under.
Firefighter Tyler Hickey dove into the choppy river three times, each time tethered to firefighter Eric Kogan, to pull the victims to safety. FDNY firefighter Kelly Lyons, piloting the boat, kept it close enough for the rescue.
All three victims were treated for injuries, hypothermia, and shock.
'We attended the summer boat program, a two-week, hands-on, and intense course that prepares us for every possible scenario,' said FDNY Lt. David Torres.
'Combined with our firefighting experience in high-stress situations where every second counts, we worked together, stayed in our lanes, and saved lives. It was incredible teamwork. I am very proud of these guys.'
Officials have not identified the boaters or confirmed what the vessel struck. An investigation is ongoing.
The incident comes just days after a deadly explosion aboard a sewage barge on the Hudson River that claimed the life of a longtime city worker.
The barge, operated by the Department of Environmental Protection, blew up at the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant near West 138th Street in Manhattan around 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
Investigators believe methane gas may have ignited during a welding malfunction.
One of the welders, a 59-year-old man working on the hull, was thrown into the river and pinned between the barge and the dock. He later died from his injuries.
Two other workers were hospitalized in stable condition.
'The entire DEP family is grieving today. Our employee who lost his life had served the Department and the City with dedication for 33 years,' said DEP Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala.
'He was a valued and experienced member of the Bureau of Wastewater Treatment, and his decades of service reflect his commitment to DEP's mission.'
Mayor Eric Adams added: 'This devoted public servant gave 33 years of service to New York City, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this painful time.'
Hazmat teams were dispatched to decontaminate the vessel, assess methane levels, and clean up sludge and oil in the river.
The explosion remains under investigation.
Just a week earlier, on May 17, a Mexican Navy training vessel smashed into the Brooklyn Bridge during a ceremonial entry into the harbor, killing two and injuring at least 19.
The Cuauhtémoc, a tall ship carrying nearly 300 people, was performing a traditional maritime ritual known as 'manning the yards,' with sailors standing atop its 150-foot masts in formation.
Eyewitnesses captured the moment its towering rigging struck the underside of the bridge.
'We saw someone dangling, and I couldn't tell if it was just blurry or my eyes,' said Lily Katz, who was watching the sunset with friend Sydney Neidell.
'We were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them.'
Two sailors were seen being carried away on stretchers.
The Mexican Navy later confirmed that the ship sustained damage in the collision and could not continue its voyage. Officials cited possible mechanical difficulties that may have caused the captain to lose control.
'The Secretary of the Navy renews its commitment to the safety of personnel, transparency in its operations and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Armada,' the Navy said in a statement on X.
A full search and rescue effort was launched in the East River. At least four people were reported in critical condition, and 19 injured in total, with victims transported to hospitals and the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
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