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Barge Capsizes Off Liberty Island
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Contact: Mindi Rambo, 646-341-2825
New York, NY - At approximately 9:50 a.m. on April 6, 2012, the work barge "Catherine G" was preparing to transport a construction crane off of Liberty Island when it capsized, sending the crane and two people into New York Harbor just off the north end of the island. A total of six people were onboard including, two captains, a U.S. Park Police Officer, the crane operator and two other crew members.
The crew of a nearby NY Waterways sightseeing boat and the US Park Police Marine Unit responded and helped rescue those who fell overboard as well as those who were able to scramble atop the barge as it rolled onto its side. They were transported to Ellis Island where Jersey City EMS evaluated and transported two crew members who suffered minor injuries to Jersey City Medical Center.
The 60-ton crane, which had been used during the construction work on the pedestal and base of the Statue of Liberty, was completely submerged.
Boom was deployed around the affected waterway to contain any fuel that might leak from either the barge or the crane.
The National Park Service is working with the Coast Guard and the U.S Park Police to investigate the cause of the accident.
Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island remain open to the public. |
Did You Know?
The French ship "Isere" transported the Statue of Liberty's 300 copper pieces packed in 214 crates to America. Although the ship nearly sank in rough seas, it arrived in New York on June 17, 1885. The Statue's parts remained unassembled for nearly a year until the pedestal was completed in 1886.