Overview
- Three children were swept into the Passaic River near the Pulaski Park boat ramp on Wednesday, July 29; an 11-year-old managed to get out while two 10-year-olds went missing.
- Rescuers shifted from a search-and-rescue mission to recovery operations by Thursday, July 30 because darkness, high water and strong currents made the river too dangerous to continue rescue attempts.
- The 10-year-old boy was found Wednesday night, and the 10-year-old girl was recovered shortly before 7 p.m. Friday, July 31 after a couple near the Market Street Bridge spotted something in the water and called 911, Passaic Mayor Hector Lora said.
- The operation covered nearly 9 miles of river and used more than two dozen marine units plus sonar, dive teams, drones, helicopters and cadaver dogs from local, county and state agencies.
- Officials are supporting the families, working with the medical examiner on identifications, and urging stricter public warnings and reviews of river safety because storm-driven currents and submerged hazards played a central role in the deaths.