Harlem, NY — Chief Engineer Ray Feige Identified as Victim in Fatal Explosion on DEP Vessel
A wave of sorrow and shock has rippled across the maritime and municipal service communities following the tragic death of Chief Engineer Ray Feige, a respected veteran of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and a proud graduate of SUNY Maritime, Class of 1988. Feige, 59, lost his life on the morning of Saturday, May 25, 2025, after a catastrophic explosion aboard a DEP sludge tanker while it was docked at the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility in Harlem.
Incident Details
The explosion occurred around 10:30 a.m. on the vessel—Hunts Point, a sludge boat responsible for transporting raw sewage—while it was moored at the facility near West 136th Street. According to officials from the DEP and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), the blast happened in one of the ship’s holds.
The force of the explosion was so severe that it reportedly blew Feige between the dock and the vessel. Emergency responders from FDNY conducted a technical rescue operation to reach him. Despite their swift and determined efforts, Chief Engineer Feige was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two additional DEP employees were impacted by the explosion—one was transported to a local hospital in stable condition, and another declined medical attention. The FDNY confirmed that due to the nature of the explosion, raw sewage covered the deck, requiring full decontamination procedures for all first responders at the scene.
A Distinguished Career in Public Service
Ray Feige was not just an engineer—he was a dedicated public servant with 33 years of experience at the DEP. Over his decades-long career, Feige earned the respect of colleagues and leaders alike for his technical expertise, reliability, and steady leadership in the often unseen but vital work of managing the city’s wastewater.
DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala expressed the collective grief of the agency in a statement:
“The entire DEP family is grieving today. Our employee who lost his life had served the Department and the City with dedication for 33 years. He was a valued and experienced member of the Bureau of Wastewater Treatment, and his decades of service reflect his commitment to DEP’s mission.”
Investigations and Safety
The FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Investigation has launched a full probe into the cause of the explosion. While questions remain about the incident’s exact origin, FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief David S. Simms indicated during a press briefing that speculation about a methane gas buildup would not be confirmed until a complete investigation is concluded.
The U.S. Coast Guard also responded to the scene and is expected to assist in the investigation. No signs of criminality have been reported, and Mayor Eric Adams emphasized in a statement that the tragedy poses no threat to public safety or the facility’s operations:
“At this time, there is no suspicion of criminality and no impact on the facility. The safety and well-being of our city’s workforce, and all New Yorkers, is always our top priority, and we are committed to fully supporting an investigation and ensuring that every possible measure is taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Remembering Ray Feige
Chief Engineer Ray Feige was known not only for his technical acumen but also for his mentorship, camaraderie, and love of the maritime profession. A graduate of the State University of New York Maritime College, he was deeply respected in both city and maritime circles. Friends and former classmates are remembering him as “the heartbeat of the engine room” and “a professional who made tough jobs look routine.”
A public memorial is expected to be announced in the coming days, and colleagues have already begun planning a tribute to honor his life and contributions.
Community Support
Support services and counseling are being made available to DEP employees and first responders affected by the traumatic event. The New York City Office of Emergency Management has also offered resources to the family and coworkers of the fallen engineer.
As the investigation continues and the community mourns, Ray Feige is remembered as a man who devoted his life to the infrastructure and public health of New York City—work that rarely makes headlines, but without which the city could not function.
Rest in peace, Chief Engineer Ray Feige. Your service will never be forgotten.
