An investigation is underway after two boats collided on New York City's East River, leaving at least five reported injured. The incident, which occurred around 2 p.m. yesterday near the FDR Drive, involved a party boat and a private vessel, CBS News New York reports. Authorities are actively searching for the latter, which after the collision, absconded from the scene.
The party boat, known as the Cabana, reportedly carried roughly 300 passengers when the accident happened, while engaging with the private boat named Let's Live II. According to ABC 7 New York, the crash resulted in 11 people sustaining injuries, one of which was serious. Following the event, the Let's Live II was seen fleeing southward.
The NYPD and the U.S. Coast Guard clarified that the Let's Live II was operating on autopilot at the time of the collision. This detail was provided after the U.S. Coast Guard had made contact with the owner of the private vessel, who admitted to the boat's autonomous operation. "It's definitely a bit of a concern, but it wouldn't be going ahead if it wasn't safe, so I feel comfortable in that," a passenger who planned to attend a subsequent event on the Cabana, Charlotte Bendkowski, told CBS News New York.
Witnesses described the aftermath of the crash, noting the substantial damage to both vessels. The Cabana sustained shattered windows, while a photo obtained by CBS News New York showed a massive gash across the Let's Live II's hull. While the Cabana is docked awaiting repairs and clearance from the Coast Guard, one of its employees said the vessel would remain out of service until fully functional and safe. Meanwhile, the passengers originally meant to board the Cabana for an evening event were rerouted to a different boat, relieved at the precaution, as Sophia Scarsi said, "At least they figured it out and they want to get us to a good one, rather than getting on one that was in the crash."
