Read Authentic Ratings for the Hunts-Point

A recent report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that an unauthorized use of a propane torch on the deck of the tanker 'Hunts Point' resulted in a tragic explosion on May 26, 2025. This incident, which cost the life of the vessel's chief engineer, Raymond Feige, 59, highlights serious safety breaches on board. Feige, a dedicated 34-year veteran of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, had served on the 'Hunts Point' since its launch in 2014. The unfortunate explosion occurred while the tanker was docked at the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Manhattan, specifically around West 138th Street on the Hudson River, at coordinates 40°49.39' N 073°57.53' W. Prior to the explosion, Feige was seen using the torch to remove broken bolts from a hatch cover, an action which proved disastrous as it ignited flammable methane gas contained in the hold. This explosion sent him off the vessel, and he was later found between the concrete dock and a wooden fender, where he was declared dead by fire department paramedics. Additionally, an assistant engineer was discovered injured on deck, miraculously conscious despite being covered in sludge. The report indicates that the explosion was triggered while the tanker’s hatches were being opened for 'innage reduction', a process that had not been performed in the past five years. This operation aimed to loosen thick sludge that had accumulated in the tanks after a night’s stagnation. During this procedure, rusted plugs on the hatch covers had to be removed, resulting in several bolts shearing off. Both the chief engineer and an assistant engineer were engaged in the risky task of addressing these broken bolts when tragedy struck. Strict safety protocols in place at the NYC DEP prohibit any open flames on tanker decks and explicitly require a permit for all hot work conducted on DEP vessels. However, in this case, no permit was obtained. Investigators noted that the vessel’s captain had previously instructed the chief engineer against using a torch near the flammable tanks and had asked the assistant engineer to ensure these safety measures were followed. Unfortunately, Feige chose to proceed with the hazardous task, despite having safer alternative tools available for removing the broken bolts. In response to this disastrous incident, the NYC DEP has since circulated two memos urging personnel to reevaluate safety procedures regarding hot work and sludge management. Financially, the damage to the 'Hunts Point' has been assessed at around $10 million, and the vessel has not returned to operational status since the explosion, with its last AIS signal being detected from the Caddell Shipyard on Staten Island.

On May 24, a tragic incident occurred involving the 'Hunt's Point', a vessel operated by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), resulting in the death of veteran engineer Raymond Feige. The 59-year-old Feige, a chief marine diesel engineer with an impressive 33-year tenure at the DEP, was fatally injured in a methane explosion while the ship was docked at the agency's wastewater facility along the Hudson River. The blast occurred around 10:30 a.m., causing Feige to be thrown off the vessel and into the river, where he was later found unconscious. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. In addition to Feige, another DEP employee was transported to the hospital for treatment, while a third worker declined medical assistance. At the time of the explosion, the Hunt's Point was carrying raw sewage, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the blast. Fortunately, the incident has not affected plant operations or posed any environmental risks.

A tragic explosion erupted on the vessel 'Hunt's Point' in West Harlem, New York City, during the morning of May 24, 2025. The incident, which happened around 10:30 a.m. near the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant on West 138th Street along the Hudson River, resulted in the death of a 59-year-old man and injuries to two others onboard the vessel. At the time of the explosion, the 'Hunt's Point' was moored at the pier, engaged in transporting raw wastewater to various treatment facilities. The deceased was thrown into the river and became trapped between the hull of the vessel and the pier structure. It remains uncertain whether he was employed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or a contractor. The other two individuals were reportedly on deck or inside the vessel when the explosion occurred. They were promptly rescued by the New York Fire Department (FDNY) and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rapid response teams, including boats and helicopters, secured the scene, while police and firefighters launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Fortunately, the situation was deemed stable. The FDNY led the emergency response efforts, with support from the Coast Guard still on-site. For further details, see the following reports featuring photos and videos: https://www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2025/05/24/mundo/un-muerto-y-dos-heridos-por-explosion-de-barco-en-rio-hudson-de-ny https://www.infobae.com/estados-unidos/2025/05/24/un-muerto-y-dos-heridos-tras-la-explosion-de-un-barco-del-departamento-de-proteccion-ambiental-en-el-rio-hudson/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVVaLZPXsZA https://elheraldoslp.com.mx/new/2025/05/24/un-muerto-y-dos-heridos-tras-la-explosion-de-un-barco-del-departamento-de-proteccion-ambiental/