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7 Bodies, Chopper Pulled From Hudson

Five bodies recovered; poor visibility, currents stymie efforts

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 9, 2009 3:49 PM CDT

(Newser) – New York City police today spotted wreckage of the small plane that crashed into a helicopter and landed into the Hudson River yesterday, killing nine people, the Daily News reports. Crews also fished out the chopper remains and four more victims, bringing the body tally to seven. "We're continuing to search until we get everybody out, but the bottom line is it's going to take time," New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.

More details on the victims have emerged: The plane’s pilot was flying with his brother and 15-year-old son, while the helicopter was carrying an Italian family visiting to celebrate the parents' 25th wedding anniversary. The wife, Silvia Rigamonti, was too scared to fly and never boarded the fatal flight. "I don't know if she saw the accident—I assume she did," said a son who also stayed behind.

The wreckage of a helicopter is lifted by crane from the Hudson River and placed on a boat as seen from Hoboken, N.J.,  Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009.
The wreckage of a helicopter is lifted by crane from the Hudson River and placed on a boat as seen from Hoboken, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Emergency personnel help to transfer a body from one boat to another in the Hudson River as seen from Hoboken, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009.
Emergency personnel help to transfer a body from one boat to another in the Hudson River as seen from Hoboken, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg speaks on NBC's Meet the Press in Washington Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009.
New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg speaks on NBC's "Meet the Press" in Washington Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/NBC, William B. Plowman)
A recent photo shows Giacomo Gallazzi with his under-17 basketball team near Bologna, Italy. Gallazzi is one of nine victims who died after a plane collided with a helicopter over the Hudson River.
A recent photo shows Giacomo Gallazzi with his under-17 basketball team near Bologna, Italy. Gallazzi is one of nine victims who died after a plane collided with a helicopter over the Hudson River.   (AP Photo/Paolo Ferrari)
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Both the air crafts are under 30 feet of water. We haven't even found one of them yet. Visibility's only a couple of feet. - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg

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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
kokuaguy
Aug 10, 2009 5:12 AM CDT
Well said, Denise.
DeniseVB
Aug 9, 2009 11:45 AM CDT
Such tragedy. My heart goes out to those families and the horrific scene that was probably witnessed by thousands on that beautiful summer day. :(
 

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