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The city worker killed in a freak raw sewage boat explosion on the Hudson River has been identified as a “beloved” veteran New York City Department of Environmental Protection engineer.

Raymond Feige, 59, died when the sludge vessel blew up at the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility near 135th Street in Upper Manhattan on Saturday morning.

The blast threw Feige, a chief marine diesel engineer, into the water — trapping him between the boat and pier, authorities said.


  Raymond Feige, Chief Marine Diesel Engineer, lost his life after a waste-water treatment boat exploded on the Hudson River on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Courtesy Feige Family Raymond Feige, Chief Marine Diesel Engineer, lost his life after a waste-water treatment boat exploded on the Hudson River on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Courtesy Feige Family

  Raymond Feige, Chief Marine Diesel Engineer, was identified as the victim of the explosion on the Hudson River. Facebook / Raymond Feige Raymond Feige, Chief Marine Diesel Engineer, was identified as the victim of the explosion on the Hudson River. Facebook / Raymond Feige

  FDNY responded to a small methane explosion on a barge boat in the Hudson River. Kevin RC Wilson /FreedomNewsTV FDNY responded to a small methane explosion on a barge boat in the Hudson River. Kevin RC Wilson /FreedomNewsTV

It’s still not clear what caused the blast, and investigators are continuing to work the case.

“Ray was a respected engineer and a steady, beloved colleague who will be deeply missed,” DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala said in a statement.

“For more than three decades he worked at DEP in a job that is largely unseen by most New Yorkers but is critical to keeping the city running, and we are grateful for service. Please continue to keep Ray’s family and colleagues in your thoughts during this difficult time.”

Feige had spent his entire DEP career working in the marine section, department officials said, adding that it was “his home away from home.”

“His bond with his shipmates and love of working on the water kept him committed to the fleet for more than three decades,” a DEP spokesperson said.


  Raymond Feige, Chief Marine Diesel Engineer, died in an explosion on Saturday, May 26, 2025, on the Hudson River. Facebook / Raymond Feige Raymond Feige, Chief Marine Diesel Engineer, died in an explosion on Saturday, May 26, 2025, on the Hudson River. Facebook / Raymond Feige

  First responders on the scene of the incident. Robert Miller First responders on the scene of the incident. Robert Miller

Meanwhile, two other DEP employees who were working on the vessel with Feige were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment after Saturday’s blast, authorities said.

Their identities or conditions weren’t immediately known.

The boat, which was docked when the explosion ripped through its hull, had been hauling raw sewage from the city to treatment facility at the time.

The US Coast Guard said there were no reports of pollution spilling into the river in the wake of the explosion.

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