Seaplane Capsizes After Hard Landing In New York’s East River

A seaplane carrying at least eight people partially capsized in New York City’s East River on Sunday, July 5, 2026, after making a hard emergency landing, local authorities said.

Emergency crews, including the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and other responders, rushed to the scene near the marina at East 23rd Street and the FDR Drive shortly after midday.

Video from the incident showed the aircraft tilted in the river’s strong currents, with one of its wings submerged. First responders worked quickly to extract all occupants from the water, and everyone on board was safely rescued.

Paramedics evaluated the passengers at the scene, and only two people suffered minor, non‑life‑threatening injuries. After the rescue, the damaged seaplane was stabilized and towed out of the active shipping channel by marine units.

Officials noted this was the second recent seaplane incident in the East River in less than a month, following another mishap in June in which occupants were also rescued safely.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and New York City police have launched an investigation into what caused the aircraft to make the hard landing and capsize.

Source: ARY News