Worker Killed, Two Injured in Hudson River Sewage Barge Explosion During NYC Fleet Week

Authorities investigate after the Hudson River explosion

One person is dead and two others are injured after a sewage barge exploded on the Hudson River during New York City’s Fleet Week on Saturday morning.

The vessel, identified as “Hunt’s Point,” erupted in an explosion near the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant, close to West 138th Street, at approximately 10:30 a.m. A 59-year-old man, who worked for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), died after being thrown off the barge and pinned between the vessel and the dock. The man, whose name has not been released, had served the department for 33 years.

New York City police and fire rescue crews responded to a boat explosion Saturday that killed a NYC Department of Environmental Protection employee and injured two others

Two other DEP employees sustained minor injuries in the incident. One was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the other declined medical assistance at the scene.

Authorities confirmed that the barge is city-owned and is used to transport raw sewage to the treatment plant. It was not involved in any Fleet Week activities at the time of the explosion.

The U.S. Coast Guard stated that the explosion was related to “hot work” — typically involving welding or cutting — aboard the docked vessel. The blast originated from a compartment containing waste. Officials have not yet determined the precise cause of the explosion.

The boat deck was covered with raw sewage after the NYC explosion

Following the incident, hazmat teams responded to assess methane levels and decontaminate the vessel. Raw sewage was visible on the barge’s deck, and several responding firefighters required decontamination after exposure.

The tragic explosion occurred just days after another maritime incident involving the Mexican navy sailboat Cuauhtémoc, which struck the Brooklyn Bridge. That accident resulted in the deaths of two sailors, América Sánchez, 20, of Veracruz, and Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos, 23, of Oaxaca, and left 19 others injured. Crew members had been strapped to the ship’s masts during the impact.

Fleet Week in New York City, which began Wednesday and continues through Tuesday, celebrates naval service with the theme “Honoring the Past, Defending the Future: 250 Years of Sea Service Excellence.” The event includes ship tours, military demonstrations, and opportunities for the public to meet U.S. Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.

In response to Saturday’s explosion, New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a statement expressing condolences. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this painful time,” he said. “The safety and well-being of our city’s workforce, and all New Yorkers, is always our top priority. We are committed to fully supporting an investigation and ensuring that every possible measure is taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.” He added that there is currently no indication of criminal activity related to the explosion.