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

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7 Bodies, Chopper Pulled From Hudson — 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)

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.
(More Hudson River stories.)

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