For up to the minute information, please visit: http://jim-runsdorf-volunteer-search.blogspot.com/ and http://www.peterjaysharprc.org/.
To provide financial support for the search effort, please call (212) 304-2870, or donate directly to:
NYRA - Jim Runsdorf
c/o New York Rowing Association
4768 Broadway #225
New York, New York 10034
Statement on Behalf of the Family of Jim Runsdorf:
New York, New York, October 25, 2006 - Vincenzo Paparo, Chairman of the New York Rowing Association, issued the following statement on behalf of the Runsdorf family:
"The Runsdorf family greatly appreciates the support and sympathy that so many people have expressed over this terrible tragedy. In particular, the family is grateful for the many people who have volunteered to gather tomorrow morning to walk the shoreline to assist in the search and recovery for Jim. In addition, we want to thank the City of New York, in particular the police, the fire department, the coast guard and the harbor unit for all of their continuing efforts."
The search for Jim Runsdorf was called off last night due to darkness, and is expected to resume this morning; unfortunately, weather conditions may impair the search.
Jim is 41 years old, a graduate of Tulane University and Columbia graduate school, and the father of two daughters, ages 9 and 11. Jim is a member of the Board of Stewards for Power 10, a longtime member of the Kings Crown Rowing Association, and the Board of Directors of the Friends of Tulane Rowing, where he was on the inaugural crew as a junior in spring 1985 and rowed again his senior year in 1986.
Jim is a very well-liked member of the NYC rowing scene, and without exaggeration is the real deal, a great person to be around. On a personal note, Jim is a good friend; I'm pulling for him and his family, and my heart goes out to them; they and Jim are in the thoughts of many people constantly, without pause today.
Two-seat Ed Joyce, a Columbia grad and KCRA member, suffered a broken scapula, two broken ribs, a head gash, and required some stitches in his leg; after the collision, Ed was able to swim to the surface, and is doing fairly well as I understand it, with no seriously threatening injuries. Three-seat Vinny Houston suffered a head gash, and stroke Jeff Lundwall bruises and some other relatively minor injuries.
There have been conflicting reports in the news on precisely how the incident occurred; as best I can understand it from the folks involved, the crew was out for a regular morning row from the James P. Sharpe boathouse, and had just turned their shell around underneath the I-95 bridge near 181st street. The were taking a water break in preparation for starting a piece when they saw the boat headed directly for the bow at fairly high speed and close range, with no time to respond by rowing away, taking their feet out of the shoes, bailing out, or otherwise. The motorboat hit the crew head on, and Jim is thought to have taken the full impact of the collision. The crew had a bow-light, but reports say the pilot of the powerboat did not see it. As I understand it, the powerboat captain is himself an oarsman with the Piermont Rowing Club, located just south of the Tappan Zee Bridge on the opposite side of the Hudson River, and is on the board of directors there. He has not been found at fault at present, and no charges were filed; an investigation will follow.
row2k will update this item as pertinent information becomes available.