NEW YORK – A city worker died amid a boat explosion on the Hudson River in Manhattan early Saturday, May 24.
The incident, which occurred near the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant, happened about 10:30 a.m. ET. Police received a 911 call for a person in the water near West 138th Street in Manhattan, according to the New York Police Department.
Police officers found a 59-year-old man unconscious and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and police said he had been on a boat working at the time.
New York Mayor Eric Adams said the man was a “dedicated” employee of the Department of Environmental Protection working on one of the city’s wastewater resource recovery facilities.
“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,” Adams said in a statement. “At this time, there is no suspicion of criminality and no impact on the facility. The safety and well-being of our city’s workforce, and all New Yorkers, is always our top priority, and we are committed to fully supporting an investigation and ensuring that every possible measure is taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.“
New York Fire Department Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms told reporters the explosion occurred aboard the city-owned Hunts Point motor vessel, inside one of its holds. The boat transports raw sewage from New York City to the sewage treatment plant.
The worker who died was flung by the explosion in between the pier and the boat itself, said Simms.
City Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala said the entire department was grieving for the veteran worker. “He was a valued and experienced member of the Bureau of Wastewater Treatment, and his decades of service reflect his commitment to (Department of Environmental Protection’s) mission,” he said in a statement.
Two other workers on the boat were also injured in the blast. One worker was transported to a local hospital, according to Robert Wolejsza, a spokesperson for the city Department of Environmental Protection. The other injured person refused medical treatment at the scene.
The plant’s operations weren’t impacted, and there doesn’t appear to be environmental pollution, Wolejsza said in an email.
Due to the explosion, there was raw sewage on the deck, Simms said. All FDNY hazmat and marine personnel who responded to the incident had to decontaminate, he said.
The department is investigating the cause of the explosion, Simms said.
Firefighters were on the scene of the incident, which the Coast Guard said reportedly stemmed from “hot work aboard a docked boat.”
Videos posted to social media showed the aftermath of the scene.
The North River plant is unique in that the roof of the building houses the Riverbank State Park, which has swimming pools, sports fields, a skating rink and restaurant.
The incident comes amid the Fleet Week celebration honoring the Navy and Marines, which runs May 23-May 26. Most events are held on the Hudson River to the south of the North River plant.
It’s just the latest in deadly incidents on the water in New York City. Last Saturday, May 17, a Mexican Navy sailing ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on the East River, leaving two sailors dead.
Last month, a helicopter on a sightseeing tour crashed into the Hudson River on April 10, killing a family of five and the pilot.
This story has been updated with new information.
Mike Snider is a reporter on USA TODAY’s Trending team. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com
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