Stevens assists in recovery of wreckage after Hudson River mid-air collision

Almost immediately after the terrible mid-air collision that occurred over the Hudson River this past weekend, Stevens Institute of Technology was contacted by local, state and Federal officials to help in the recovery effort.

Scientists and researchers at Stevens have spent decades learning the complexities and nuances of the Hudson River; as such, they are able to provide in-depth knowledge and data at a moment's notice.

First, using the Stevens New York Harbor Observation and Prediction System (NYHOPS), which gives a real-time assessment of ocean, weather, environmental, and vessel traffic conditions for various New York Metropolitan area waterways, the university was able to give accurate information to aide in the recovery effort.

Stevens was also called into action and asked to use the equipment earlier this year when U.S. Airways Flight 1549 made an emergency landing in the Hudson River.

Second, using firsthand knowledge from Dr. Michael S. Bruno, Dean of the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science, who has clocked many hours diving in the Hudson River, emergency responders were able to get information about what they could anticipate on the bottom of the river before they even stepped off the boat.

"Throughout, our forecast was right on - literally right to the minute in our predictions of slack tide; not an easy thing in a water-body this complex," said Dr. Bruno.

Over the weekend, emergency workers from the New York Police Department, New Jersey State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board worked closely with Stevens.

"The information proved invaluable to the search and recovery," said Bruno. "Through it all, the agencies functioned as a team, providing expert opinion and advice, and logistical support, as appropriate and as needed."

Source: Stevens Institute of Technology