NYC Sewage Boat Explosion Kills Veteran Engineer

<img src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-560w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-05/25524-new-york-sewage-boat-explosion-rc-11p-77f2ec.jpg" alt="A methane explosion aboard a Department of Environmental Protection ship docked at the agency's wastewater facility on the Hudson River resulted in the death of a male worker after the blast sent him tumbling off the ship in Manhattan on Saturday, May 24, 2025." height="1667" width="2500">

A methane explosion on a New York City sewage boat on the Hudson River tragically claimed the life of Raymond Feige, a 59-year-old chief marine diesel engineer. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, at the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility in West Harlem.

Feige, a 33-year veteran of the city's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), was found unconscious in the river and pronounced dead at the scene. Another DEP employee was injured and hospitalized, while a third refused medical attention.

DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala released a statement expressing deep sorrow and highlighting Feige's 33 years of dedicated service to the city. He described Feige as a "respected engineer and a steady, beloved colleague." The statement emphasized the critical, often unseen, role of Feige and his colleagues in maintaining the city's infrastructure.

The DEP stated that the explosion appears to have been accidental and is currently under investigation. The incident did not affect plant operations or the environment, they added.

The tragic loss of Feige underscores the risks faced by essential workers who keep New York City running smoothly.