The tragic events of September 11, 2001, forever altered the landscape of New York City and the world. Amidst the chaos and devastation, acts of extraordinary heroism emerged, one of which was the largest maritime evacuation in history: the 9/11 boatlift. Jessica DuLong, a seasoned marine engineer and writer, played a pivotal role in this remarkable rescue operation, helping to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people from lower Manhattan.
The 9/11 Boatlift: A Historic Operation
As the World Trade Center collapsed, over half a million people found themselves stranded on Manhattan’s southern tip, desperate to escape the engulfing smoke and debris. With bridges and tunnels closed, the water became the only viable escape route. In response, an impromptu armada of tugboats, ferries, and private vessels mobilized to assist in the evacuation (National September 11 Memorial & Museum, 2021).
Jessica DuLong was among the many mariners who answered the call for help. A chief engineer on the retired New York City fireboat John J. Harvey, DuLong had extensive experience in maritime operations. On 9/11, she and her crew redirected their fireboat to lower Manhattan, where it played a critical role not only in evacuating survivors but also in providing firefighting support by pumping water directly from the Hudson River to emergency responders on land (DuLong, 2009).
Jessica DuLong’s Leadership and Courage
DuLong’s involvement in the rescue showcased her technical expertise and leadership under pressure. Despite the perilous conditions, including falling debris and dense smoke, DuLong remained steadfast, working tirelessly alongside her crew to evacuate survivors. Her actions exemplified the resilience and resourcefulness that characterized the boatlift operation.
In her acclaimed book Saved at the Seawall: Stories from the September 11 Boat Lift, DuLong chronicles her experiences and those of other mariners involved in the rescue. The book provides a deeply personal account of the challenges and triumphs of that day, preserving the legacy of those who came together to save lives during one of America’s darkest moments (DuLong, 2019).
A Legacy of Service and Storytelling
DuLong’s contributions extend beyond her actions on 9/11. By documenting the boatlift in her writing, she has ensured that the stories of maritime heroes are not forgotten. Her work has inspired greater recognition of the maritime community’s crucial role in disaster response and underscored the importance of unity and collective action during times of crisis.
Jessica DuLong’s involvement in the 9/11 boatlift rescue stands as a testament to courage, resilience, and the power of ordinary people coming together to achieve extraordinary things. Her story reminds us of the enduring human spirit and the capacity for heroism in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
Cited sources
National September 11 Memorial & Museum. 9/11 Boatlift: The Largest Water Evacuation in History. National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Published 2021. Available at: https://www.911memorial.org. Accessed January 8, 2025.
DuLong J. Saved at the Seawall: Stories from the September 11 Boat Lift. 1st ed. New York, NY: Cornell Maritime Press; 2019.
DuLong J. Fireboat John J. Harvey and the 9/11 rescue effort. Marine Log. Published 2009. Available at: https://www.marinelog.com. Accessed January 8, 2025.
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