Active Remembrance Documentary Series

The Great Boatlift of 9/11

Preserving the firsthand stories of mariners whose courage helped evacuate 500,000 people from Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001

Special thanks to all the participants helping to preserve these stories for future generations

On September 11, 2001, hundreds of mariners answered an extraordinary call, evacuating 500,000 people from Lower Manhattan in the largest maritime evacuation in history. These oral histories preserve the firsthand accounts of the captains, crews, and volunteers whose courage, compassion, and selfless service became a lasting symbol of hope in one of America's darkest moments.

We remember so they never forget.
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The largest maritime evacuation in history took place on 9/11/2001.

Their Stories

Each story in this collection preserves a remarkable piece of maritime and American history, honoring the courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication of the mariners whose extraordinary actions during the Boatlift of 9/11 became a lasting testament to service in our nation's time of greatest need.

Calling All Stories

Share Your Story

Were you on the water that day? We are collecting firsthand accounts from the mariners, captains, crews, and passengers of the boatlift. We want to hear YOUR story.

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Your Role in the September 11th Boatlift*

Video Interview Information

We're collecting in-depth video interviews with mariners and survivors of the boatlift. Interviews will be conducted at a central location in New York City (details to be shared via email) and will become part of the 9/11 Legacy Foundation’s permanent archive.
Interested in sharing your story via video interview?

Submit Your Story

If you prefer to write about your experiences, please upload a document below. Sample questions to get you started can be found here.
Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf, odt, pages, Max. file size: 25 MB.
Word documents, PDFs, or plain text files all work.

Consent & Communication

Would you like to receive updates about the Calling All Stories initiative?
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About the Series

On September 11, 2001, when New York City’s transportation system came to a standstill, hundreds of mariners answered an extraordinary call to action. In what became the largest maritime evacuation in history, captains, crews, ferry operators, tugboat pilots, commercial mariners, and recreational boaters came together to evacuate 500,000 people from Lower Manhattan.

This oral history archive preserves the firsthand accounts of the men and women who made that remarkable rescue possible. Through recorded interviews, personal reflections, photographs, and historical materials, these stories capture the courage, compassion, and selfless service demonstrated on one of America’s darkest days.

By preserving these voices, we ensure that future generations understand not only what happened during the Boatlift of 9/11, but also the humanity that emerged in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Every story shared here is a lasting testament to the resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of the maritime community.

Join Us in Remembering

Help us ensure the stories of 9/11 live on for future generations.

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Keep the Legacy Alive

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