7-Year-Old Boy, Woman Die When Boat Flips In Hudson River: Officials

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — A boy and woman were killed Tuesday when a private boat capsized in the Hudson River, forcing 10 others to be rescued from the water, according to authorities.

A seven-year-old boy and a 50-year-old woman died after a private boat overturned near Pier 86 at West 46th Street shortly before 3 p.m., Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell and Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh told reporters.

"This is a tragic day for New Yorkers," Sewell said. "Indeed, it may have well been worse were it not for the incredible efforts by not only our extraordinary first responders, but also the swift response from the NY Waterway ferries."

Read More: 2 Victims Of Hudson River Boat Capsizing Identified By Police

Another nine people were rescued from the water thanks to efforts by the ferry company NY Waterway, which had two vessels nearby and rescued nine of the boat's passengers, according to the company and law enforcement.

The small jet boat had been chartered by a family and friends, and was owned by a person who was on a jet ski following the boat when it overturned, an NYPD official said.

Two people remained in critical condition while another was critical but stable, the fire commissioner said. One of those three was the boat's captain.

It remains unclear why the boat flipped over, though police are still investigating.

Possible factors include the river's current, winds, and the high volume of commercial and recreational traffic on the Hudson River, according to Anthony Russo, commanding officer of the NYPD Harbor Unit.

"The Hudson River’s always a dangerous place to operate," Russo said.

The NYPD harbor scuba and aviation units assisted in the operation, according to a department spokesperson.

Mayor Eric Adams, at a press conference, noted the accident happened in nearly the same spot on the Hudson River where pilot Chesley Sullenberger landed an airplane in 2009 following an engine malfunction — with all 155 people aboard surviving.

Said Adams, "Our hearts go out to a group of people who were just using the water in our city."