Hudson River Boating Accident: Search for Missing Man Resumes, Boat Operator Charged.

The search for the man missing in the Hudson River boating accident resumed this morning after coastal patrols spent the day yesterday searching for him. Charges were filed against driver of boat in Hudson River accident. Emergency crews resumed their search for Mark Lennon, one of two people who were thrown into the Hudson River after a boating accident that happened on Friday night.


The Hudson River boating accident threw Lindsey Stewart, who was about to be married in two weeks, and Mark Lennon, the fiance’s best man, into the Hudson river. The groom and three other people were injured in the speedboat crash. One of the injured men was charged with vehicular manslaughter yesterday.


Six people were on the boat when it hit a barge near the Tappan Zee Bridge. The Hudson River boating accident threw Lindsey Stewart, 30, and Mark Lennon, 30, into the water. The other four friends who were on the boat were injured. Brian Bond, the groom-to-be, was one of the injuring.

Rockland County Sheriff's Department Chief William Barbera said that a body that matched Lindsey Stewart's description was recovered Saturday. Mark Lennon is presumed dead. The other people on board have not been identified. There is no word on their conditions. Barbera said the barge was equipped with lights, but it was still difficult to see on the water late at night.


William Barbera said Jojo John, 35, of Nyack, who was driving the boat, was charged with vehicular manslaughter and vehicular assault. He was arraigned from a hospital bed. He is being held on $250,000 bond. The boat operator is suspected of driving the boat while under the influence of alcohol. Authorities are still awaiting the result of blood tests.


Authorities pulled a woman’s body from the Hudson River on Saturday morning. The body matched Stewart's description. Officials are still trying to confirm that the body was Stewart's. There is no word yet on how long it could be before an official determination is made.


The two friends were knocked into the water when the boat filled with partying friends hit a barge that was carrying construction materials that were being used to replace a section of the Tappan Zee Bridge. The Hudson River boating accident happened about a half-hour's drive north of New York City.


Authorities said the boat was a 21-foot Stingray. It left the village of Piermont for a short trip across the river to Tarrytown, N.Y.


Some boating enthusiasts have been questioning if there was enough lighting for the operation of the the boat. Two people who were on the water on Friday told Eyewitness News spoke that the only reason they knew the barge was there was because it showed up on their radar. They could not see it in the dark.


Family members said Lindsey Stewart was set to marry Brian Bond on Aug. 10. Stewart who lived in Piermont, worked for an insurance company. The couple were set to be married at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Pearl River. Their reception was going to be held at a vineyard in Hillburn


Stewart's mother, Carol said Bond was knocked unconscious in the crash. When he woke up he called 911. Walter Kosik, Stewart's stepfather, said the couple knew each other since they were young children. He said the couple used to go to church together.


Kosik said "They have been friends the whole time, and they fell in love about 3 ½ years ago. I don't wish on any parent to have a police coming over to your house to tell you that an accident has occurred."


The New York State Thruway Authority, said it was reviewing safety procedures. The New York State Thruway Authority oversees the Tappan Zee Bridge reconstruction project. The authority said the lighting on the barges appeared to be functioning normally.


In a statement the Authority said “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time."

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world news
Hudson River
Boating
accident
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