What was meant to be a joyous birthday celebration on the Hudson River turned into a chaotic scene when a luxury party vessel slammed into a pier in Upper Manhattan on Saturday afternoon.

More than 30 people were injured when the three-story yacht “The Timeless,” carrying over 350 partygoers, collided with a Hudson River pier while trying to dock in New York City, as the New York Post reports.

At approximately 4:18 p.m., the luxury yacht “The Timeless” crashed into a pier near West 125th Street and the Henry Hudson Parkway. The vessel, part of the Empire Cruises charter fleet, was concluding a crowded birthday event when a docking line snapped, sending the boat careening into the dock. Emergency crews quickly descended on the scene, treating dozens for minor injuries.

Hosted in honor of Zytin King, a lifelong New Yorker celebrating her 69th birthday, the event drew hundreds of guests. Many attendees had gathered in the yacht’s departure area in preparation to disembark when the impact occurred. The sudden jolt sent passengers tumbling to the floor and left some requiring wheelchairs to exit the vessel.

According to the New York City Fire Department, 35 people sustained injuries due to the incident. Of those, 23 individuals were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment. Officials confirmed there were no serious injuries, and no one was thrown overboard during the impact.

Birthday celebration turns terrifying

Zytin King described the moment of the crash, saying that people were already moving toward the exit when the yacht struck the pier. “Some people are coming down the stairs, and the boat just ran into the dock. And so they fell,” she recalled. “Some people fell inside the boat. A lot of people were hurt badly.”

King also remarked on how fortunate it was that no one fell into the water. “We were blessed because people were standing along the side of the boat, so when it hit, they could have gone over, but they didn’t,” she said. Despite the injuries, there was a sense of resilience among passengers. One of King’s relatives noted, “I fell onto my mother when the boat crashed,” adding that the event happened very quickly.

The boat, which features three bars and a climate-controlled interior, can accommodate up to 550 people. Empire Cruises markets the vessel for various private events, typically charging $120 per person. Saturday’s voyage included food catering, a DJ, and onboard entertainment in celebration of King’s milestone birthday.

Emergency response activated

Following the crash, emergency personnel -- including fire and emergency medical teams—assisted injured passengers off the vessel. Some required assistance walking, while others were seen being wheeled away in chairs. The rear of the boat appeared to have sustained visible damage as a result of the impact.

Guests onboard expressed mixed emotions following the event. Delores Mitchell, 69, who handled catering for the event, remarked, “I heard people going to the ambulance saying, 'We are hurt, but we had a good time.'” The crash occurred as the boat was attempting to dock, with the snapped line reportedly contributing to the loss of control.

The cause of the malfunction has not yet been determined. However, investigations by the U.S. Coast Guard are underway. Officials from Empire Cruises have not yet issued a public statement or responded to press inquiries about the incident.

Investigation underway

Authorities will now work to determine whether mechanical error, human mistake, or environmental factors were at play. The U.S. Coast Guard is leading the probe and will assess the integrity of the vessel, the docking equipment, and the crew's conduct. Their findings may help prevent future mishaps of a similar nature.

The party yacht is just one of several ships operated by Empire Cruises, which offers leisure voyages for celebrations like weddings and corporate events. With its significant capacity and luxury amenities, “The Timeless” is among the company’s more popular vessels. The accident raises concerns about safety at such large-scale maritime events.

As of Sunday evening, no charges had been filed, and no major malfunctions had been publicly identified. While the incident did not result in severe injuries, the scale of the emergency response highlighted the potential dangers of overcrowded charter events on the water.

Lessons to learn

1. Stay alert near departure zones: Even during routine arrivals, conditions can change quickly, as seen when the docking line snapped. Standing too close to exits or railings can increase the risk of injury.

2. Obey vessel crew and safety procedures: Following instructions from crew members and being aware of emergency exits and support structures is critical, especially during docking or sail-off. Many injuries in this crash occurred as guests were transitioning off the yacht.

3. Understand that safety issues may arise even at happy events: Celebrations like birthdays tend to promote a relaxed atmosphere, but accidents can still occur. It’s important not to let festivity override caution.

However, it must be emphasized that no amount of preparation can guarantee safety, and no victim is ever to blame for being involved in such incidents.

Why this story matters

This incident underscores the importance of safety regulations on commercial passenger vessels operating in city waterways. It highlights the unexpected risks that can arise during otherwise routine events.

Communities must hold transport and charter operators accountable to ensure public safety remains a top priority.