More than a dozen students from Fordham University found themselves in a precarious situation when their row boat capsized in Eastchester Bay. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, April 5, while the university’s men’s club rowing team was out on the water near City Island in the Bronx.
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) responded promptly after a witness called 911 around 12:15 p.m. A civilian boat assisted in rescuing all 19 individuals involved, which included nine athletes, eight additional students, and two coaches, bringing them safely to shore at Rodman’s Neck.
Fordham University confirmed that the mishap was caused by a sudden shift in weather conditions. Following city regulations, all nine student-athletes along with the other students and coaches were taken to local hospitals for examination, even though there were no reported injuries.
The NYPD Emergency and Harbor Units also joined the response effort, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Reports indicate that the university lost one row boat during this incident.
The weather on that day was cloudy with rain, as noted by Accuweather. Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of safety on the water. New York regulations demand that all vessels carry life jackets for each passenger and adhere to safety practices to prevent overcrowding and ensure crew safety.
Though this incident ended without injuries, it echoes a more tragic event earlier this year when a boat sinking near Breezy Point resulted in the loss of lives, emphasizing the need for vigilant safety measures in recreational boating.
