Michael Duffy reflects on the 16-year anniversary of the Hudson River rescue
New York: Michael Duffy was just getting started as a boat captain on the Circle Line when he had to jump into action during the “Miracle on the Hudson.” It was January 15, 2009, and US Airways Flight 1549 had just made an emergency landing in the Hudson River after hitting a flock of geese.
Duffy remembers how lucky everyone was that day. Just days before and after, the river was frozen. “Timing is everything,” he said, reflecting on how the clear conditions helped avoid a worse situation.
As tourists boarded his boat, Duffy got the news about the crash. His first order? To get 51 paying customers off the boat so they could help. The Circle Line and New York Waterways were the first responders, quickly taking passengers from the downed plane.
Flight 1549 had taken off from LaGuardia Airport and was headed to Charlotte when disaster struck. The plane landed in the river around 3:31 p.m., and all 155 people on board managed to escape onto the wings and slides.
Duffy’s boat became a hub for first responders. They transported firefighters and divers to the scene, checking for anyone left in the plane. Thankfully, everyone was accounted for, and the boat served as a medical triage until the Coast Guard arrived.
In total, 14 ferries rescued 143 passengers, while the Coast Guard and FDNY handled the rest. Duffy credits his years of experience for helping him stay composed during the emergency.
His connection to the harbor runs deep; his father was also a captain with Circle Line. Duffy started as a ticket-seller and got his captain’s license at just 22. He’s seen it all, from helicopter crashes to people jumping into the river.
“It’s just part of the job,” he said. “When there’s an accident, I jump out and help. It’s in my nature.”
Despite the changes in New York over the years, Duffy believes the harbor community remains strong. “We may be competitors, but we help each other out,” he said. “That’s what we do.”
For Duffy, the 2009 rescue was a testament to humanity. “There’s a lot of good that goes unnoticed,” he said. “People come together in times of need, and that’s what matters.”
