Crew New York mourns the loss of a fellow rower in tragic boat accident on the Harlem River

Members of Crew New York remain dazed and in shock at the loss of a fellow rower during a boating accident on the Harlem River early Monday morning. Four rowers from the Peter Jay Sharp Rowing Club, rowing in a straight four, were executing a u-turn just downriver from the 181st street bridge when they were struck broadside by a power boat. The impact struck just forward of the bow seat and immediately capsized the boat. Three of the rowers were immediately pulled from the water. The bowman, Jim Runsdorf, initially assisted in the rescue of his crew but then disappeared. He remains missing and is presumed lost.

[Edit] 21 Dec 2008; Crew New York has subsequently disbanded. Most members are now rowing with other New York City rowing clubs, with the greatest number of rowers pulling for Harlem River Community Rowing.