‘There wasn't time to think’: New York Waterway crews remember Miracle on the Hudson 12 years later

Twelve years ago today was the amazing rescue now known as the Miracle on the Hudson, when a U.S. Airways flight struck a bird moments after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport.

News 12 Staff

Jan 15, 2021, 12:14 PM

Updated 1,429 days ago

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Twelve years ago today was the amazing rescue now known as the Miracle on the Hudson, when a U.S. Airways flight struck a bird moments after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport.
Capt. Chesley Sullenberger had no choice but to land in the Hudson River.
Crew members at New York Waterway jumped into action to help rescue the passengers, becoming the most successful marine rescue in aviation history.
All 155 passengers and crew on board were rescued, with help from the Coast Guard and fire department. Ferry boat Captain Manuel Liba's boat was second on scene.
"There wasn't time to think," says Liba. "It was like there's a concept in your mind and you just do it. You had a sense of what to do, getting everything routed, getting people into the cabin, close the door, try and keep them warm."
Liba says the thing he'll remember most from that day was how people near and far came together to help.