Boat Explosion During New York City's Fleet Week Leaves One Dead

A tragic incident occurred during New York City's Fleet Week on Saturday (May 24) when a boat exploded on the Hudson River, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to two others. The explosion took place at the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant near West 138th Street around 10:30 a.m. The deceased, a 59-year-old male, was a worker on the barge, according to a spokesperson from the New York Police Department.

The U.S. Coast Guard stated that the explosion was linked to "hot work" aboard the docked boat. Rescue boats quickly arrived at the scene to save a man who was thrown overboard and pinned between a dock and a boat, along with another individual. Both injured individuals sustained minor injuries.

Following the explosion, hazmat crews worked to decontaminate the barge and assess methane levels. The incident occurred just days after another maritime accident, when a Mexican navy sailboat crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in two deaths and 19 injuries.

Fleet Week, which began on Wednesday and runs through Tuesday, features the theme "Honoring the Past, Defending the Future: 250 Years of Sea Service Excellence." The event allows the public to meet U.S. Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen and observe advancements in military technology. Rear Admiral Carl Lahti, Commander of the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, highlighted the significance of this year's Fleet Week in commemorating the Navy's 250 years of maritime excellence and commitment to global security.