All Available Boats

  • Monday, October 23, 2023
  • 6:00 PM
  • Auditorium
From left: Gulmar Parga, John Hillin, Richard Thornton, Eddie Rosenstein and Noah Rauch on stage.
Photo by David Starke

As the 9/11 attacks unfolded, it became increasingly difficult to evacuate lower Manhattan. When the Twin Towers collapsed, thousands fled to the water’s edge. Seeing the emergency, the U.S. Coast Guard issued a call for all available boats to help those who were trapped. The ensuing maritime response, from NYPD harbor units, fireboats and ferries to private and commercial boats, initiated the largest waterborne evacuation in American history. To examine this extraordinary storywe are pleased to screen the award-winning documentary, Boatlift, and welcome Eddie Rosenstein, director of the film, U.S. Coast Guard Safety & Security Division Chief John Hillin, former FDNY Chief Marine Engineer Gulmar Parga, and NY Waterway Captain Richard Thornton. In conversation with Noah Rauch, Senior Vice President of Education & Public Programs, they reflect on 9/11 and the improvised evacuation that transported an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 people to safety in less than nine hours.

Photos

  • From left: Gulmar Parga, John Hillin, Richard Thornton, Eddie Rosenstein and Noah Rauch on stage with Dahlia Azran at the podium.
  • From left: Gulmar Parga, John Hillin (speaking), Richard Thornton, Eddie Rosenstein and Noah Rauch on stage.
  • Richard Thornton hands a document to Noah Rauch as Gulmar Parga, John Hillin, and Eddie Rosenstein clap.
  • Speakers on stage following the program
Photos by David Starke

Videos

  • 2023_1023 Boatlift_Highlight-1_Captioned
    Highlight Clips
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  • 2023_1023 Boatlift_Highlight-3_Captioned
  • 2023_1023 Boatlift_Highlight-4_Captioned

Full Program

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Full Program
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