NYC Ferry Strikes a Group of Kayakers

[The Sushi Bandit]

A New York Waterways ferry struck a group of kayakers on the Hudson River Tuesday afternoon, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Five of the 11 kayakers were transported to Bellevue Hospital and Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital for additional medical attention, and two were listed in critical condition.

Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector New York received a call from the master aboard the ferry Jersey City at approximately 5:50 p.m. Tuesday, reporting a collision between the ferry and the group of kayakers near Pier 79 in Manhattan.

A Coast Guard Station New York smallboat crew was launched and arrived on scene to assist New York Police Department, New York Fire Department and Jersey City Fire Department officials with rescuing the 11 kayakers from the water.

The kayakers were then transported to awaiting EMS crews for medical attention.

http://www.marinelink.com/news/kayakers-strikes-ferry414765.aspx

[LisaM]

1. Yikes.

I know in Washington state the ferries have the right-of-way, I assume it's the same in New York. I hope everyone recovers.

[JonathanRackham]

2. In most states kayakers are not required to have a safe boating certificate.

All kayaks are not equal either, some are more maneuverable than others.

I've a friend who is a hard core touring kayaker. Her group trains, educates and has practice drills for people in her club. They also mandate safety equipment above current laws.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

3. I saw paddle boarders in there a few weeks ago

I never would have thought the non-beach areas of NYC to be recreational waterways.

[Orrex]

4. I'll bet that this led to a mighty row

[Dr. Strange]

5. Knock that off right now!

Oar else!

[hunter]

6. People get hit by trains too.

This is pretty much the same thing, but on water.

If the wind or current are dragging your kayak into the path of a larger vessel, it will take some strength and experience to get out of the way. The ferry is not like a car, it can't stop or turn away in time to avoid you.

This is sad.