Tragic Incident on Sewage Barge Claims Life of Worker in West Harlem

A tragic incident unfolded on May 24, 2025, when a significant explosion rocked a sewage barge at the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility in West Harlem. This unfortunate event claimed the life of Raymond feigi, a dedicated employee of New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The blast occurred around 10:30 a.m. near West 135th Street and 12th Avenue while the city-owned barge, Hunts Point, was docked for transporting untreated sewage to another facility. At that moment,three DEP workers where aboard. The force of the explosion hurled Feigi into the water; he became trapped between the vessel and the pier and was later found unconscious.

Feigi was not just an employee; he was a cherished member of his team with over three decades under his belt as a chief marine diesel engineer. Colleagues described him as someone who truly made their workplace feel like home—a steady presence who fostered strong relationships within his department.

A spokesperson from DEP shared heartfelt sentiments about Feigi: “Ray was more than just an engineer; he was part of our family here at DEP.His dedication left an indelible mark on all who knew him.”

Two other employees sustained injuries during this incident—one required hospitalization while another opted out of medical care due to minor wounds.

the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) quickly responded to reports involving both fire and water rescue operations. Although no flames were present upon their arrival, raw sewage had spilled onto the deck necessitating decontamination procedures for several first responders.

FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms noted that there appeared to be no visible pollution in the Hudson river following this event. The U.S. Coast Guard is currently investigating what led up to this explosion but preliminary reports suggest that workers may have been using open flames or tools that could spark when disaster struck.

Mayor Eric Adams extended condolences to Feigi’s family and friends during this difficult time, emphasizing his long-standing commitment as a public servant: “He dedicated over three decades serving our city—our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy.”

Fortunately, operations at the wastewater treatment plant remained unaffected by this incident according to DEP officials, who also confirmed there were no environmental repercussions in nearby areas.

As investigations continue into what caused such devastation aboard Hunts point, it serves as a stark reminder about safety protocols in high-risk environments like wastewater management facilities—a sector frequently enough overlooked yet crucial for urban health and sustainability.