2 boats collide on New York City's East River, at least 5 people injured
The New York City Police Department is investigating a crash involving two boats on the East River that injured at least five people. The crash was caught on video.
The collision happened at around 2 p.m. on Sunday near the FDR Drive, between 23rd and 25th streets.
Here's what happened
Officials said a party boat, identified as the Cabana, was one the two vessels involved. Its manager told CBS News New York's Adi Guajardo that roughly 300 people were on board when it collided with a private boat that the U.S. Coast Guard identified as the Let's Live II.
The manager of the Cabana said the impact broke a window and shattered part of another window. A photo obtained by CBS News New York shows a huge gash running across the front of the Let's Live II.
According to the NYPD, Let's Live II was going east on the river when it collided with the party boat, before fleeing the scene heading south. The U.S. Coast Guard said it is in contact with the owner of the private vessel, adding the owner admitted the boat was operating on autopilot at the time of the crash.
Officials say three people on the Cabana were taken to the hospital, and two people on the Let's Live II sustained minor injuries.
No arrests have been made and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. All injuries are said to be minor.
CBS News New York spoke to people who bought a ticket for the party boat on Sunday night, but they said they were unaware of the crash, adding they were just told they had to switch vessels for their event.
"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," Charlotte Bendkowski said.
"I guess I'm glad that we are changing to another boat, you know what I mean? 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," Sophia Scarsi added.
One of the employees of the Cabana said the vessel will remain docked until the damage is repaired and the Coast Guard clears it to resume events.
