Ferry bound for Jersey City hits, injures kayakers, NYPD says

The collision occurred around 6 p.m. near Pier 79 in Manhattan

NEW YORK -- A ferry containing hundreds of passengers collided with a group of kayakers near the Manhattan side of the Hudson River Tuesday night, the NYPD said in a televised press conference.

WABC 7 reported the NY Waterways Water Taxi was bound for Jersey City when it struck some of the eight kayaks around 5:45 p.m near Pier 79.

According to police, at least five people were hurt with minor injuries, but one man suffered a serious arm wound with significant blood loss and loss of consciousness. He was assisted by Officer Tommy Lee of the NYPD, police said. The U.S. Coast Guard and the FDNY also assisted in the rescue. 

The kayakers, from the Manhattan Kayak Company, were on an instructional trip travelling south on the Hudson River.  

The crash was still under investigation Tuesday night, but alcohol and drugs were not believed to be factors, police said. Authorities did say sun glare could not be ruled out as a cause.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com

 

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Ferry bound for Jersey City hits, injures kayakers, NYPD says