New York, US: Police are actively searching for a catamaran operator who fled the scene after colliding with a party boat in the East River, leaving 11 people injured in a Labor Day weekend incident that has shocked the boating community.
Hit-and-Run on the Water
The dramatic collision occurred just after 2 p.m. on Sunday near East 25th Street and the FDR Drive in Manhattan’s Kips Bay neighborhood. According to the New York Police Department, an unidentified catamaran operator struck the party boat “Cabana” while traveling eastbound on the East River before immediately fleeing the scene southbound.
The impact was severe enough to break windows on the party boat and cause significant damage to both vessels. Witnesses aboard the Cabana described watching in horror as the approaching catamaran failed to make an expected turn and instead plowed directly into their vessel at full speed.
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Multiple Casualties Reported
The Fire Department of New York confirmed that 11 people sustained injuries in the collision, with one person suffering serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Nine of the injured were transported to local hospitals for treatment, while two others received minor injuries that did not require hospitalization. All victims are expected to make full recoveries.
The party boat Cabana, which was carrying approximately 300 passengers at the time of the collision, remained at the scene following the crash. The vessel’s manager reported that the impact shattered one window completely and caused partial damage to another. Video footage from the scene shows passengers safely disembarking from the docked vessel after the incident.
Vessel on Autopilot During Crash
In a startling revelation, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed they have been in contact with the owner of the fleeing vessel, identified as “Let’s Live II.” The boat’s owner admitted that the catamaran was operating on autopilot at the time of the collision, raising serious questions about maritime safety protocols and operator responsibility.
This detail has added another layer of concern to an already troubling incident, as maritime experts emphasize that autopilot systems require constant human oversight, particularly in busy waterways like the East River where numerous vessels operate simultaneously.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint Chaotic Scene
Passengers aboard the party boat provided chilling accounts of the moments leading up to the crash. “I saw this boat coming straight ahead, full speed and everything,” one passenger told reporters. “He hit it hard,” added another witness, describing the violent impact that sent shockwaves through the crowded vessel.
The collision occurred near the United Nations International School, in an area of the East River known for heavy recreational and commercial boat traffic. The timing of the incident, during a busy Labor Day weekend afternoon, meant numerous vessels and hundreds of people were in the immediate vicinity.
Investigation Underway
The NYPD’s Harbor Unit has launched a comprehensive investigation into the hit-and-run incident, treating it as a criminal matter given that the catamaran operator fled the scene. No arrests have been made as of yet, but authorities are actively pursuing leads to identify and locate the vessel and its operator.
The collision has highlighted ongoing concerns about safety protocols on the East River, particularly regarding the use of automated navigation systems in high-traffic areas. Maritime safety experts note that while autopilot technology can be valuable for long-distance navigation, it requires constant monitoring and should never replace human judgment in congested waterways.
Party Boat Operations Temporarily Affected
The incident forced the Cabana to suspend operations temporarily while repairs are made and Coast Guard officials conduct their safety inspection. Passengers who had purchased tickets for Sunday evening events on the vessel were transferred to alternative boats, with company representatives assuring customers that safety protocols were being strictly followed.
One employee of the Cabana stated that the vessel would remain docked until all damage is repaired and the Coast Guard clears it to resume passenger operations. The company has been cooperative with investigators and has provided all requested documentation regarding the incident.
East River Safety Concerns
This latest incident adds to a growing list of maritime accidents in New York City waters. The East River, which connects Upper New York Bay to Long Island Sound, sees heavy traffic from commercial vessels, tour boats, and recreational craft throughout the boating season.
Maritime authorities regularly stress the importance of maintaining proper lookout procedures and avoiding over-reliance on automated systems, particularly in areas with complex traffic patterns like those found around Manhattan. The busy waterway requires constant vigilance from all operators to prevent exactly the type of collision that occurred Sunday afternoon.
Search Continues
As the investigation continues, authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the catamaran “Let’s Live II” to contact the NYPD immediately. The vessel is described as having sustained significant damage to its front section, with a large gash visible across the bow from the collision impact.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious legal and moral obligations all boat operators have to remain at the scene of an accident and render aid to those who may be injured. Maritime hit-and-run incidents carry severe penalties under both state and federal law, including potential felony charges depending on the severity of injuries involved.
Police continue to patrol East River waters as they search for the fleeing vessel and its operator, while the injured passengers recover from what could have been a much more tragic Labor Day weekend incident.
