Boatlift 9/11 - Amazing Untold Largest Evacuation in History

On September 11th, 2001, as hundreds of thousands fled south from the burning towers, people quickly discovered something we often forget: that Manhattan is an island. As officials closed all bridges, tunnels and commuter lines linking Manhattan to the rest of the world, people were trapped.

BOATLIFT is the story of the largest maritime evacuation in history.
On 9/11, over 500,000 people were rescued from Manhattan’s seawalls in just nine hours. How did this happen? What heroism made this possible? The answer lies in the resilience of the every day people at the scene that day, and the brave community of mariners who ply the waters of New York’s Harbor.

This short film is a little longer than anything we usually post. We encourage you to take a moment to view it and remember the acts of heroism, large and small, displayed on this day that we will never forget.

#ReadyNJ
#September11
#WTC
#NeverForget

[michelelyons]

I worked in Manhattan across the street from the World Trade Center. Thankfully I lived on Staten Island, so I was able to evacuate on the ferry. I witnessed this evacuation and it was amazing. I am sorry that it got so little attention at that time and after. Boats of every description were sailing to Manhattan and loading people on to evacuate them. Tug boats, sailing vessels, anything that could float. I watched, sort of in shock, from the back deck of the ferry as a literal armada of boats sailed back and forth, taking people off of Manhattan. It took me a long time to realize that I was witnessing what was the largest maritime rescue in modern history. This showed we Americans at our very best, we ran to help.

[mewatchingyouwatchingme]

This story isn't told often. In fact, this is first I heard of it. This is absolutely increadible and every one of those giys deserves a recognition. Makes me incredibly proud to be an American.

[manbtm]

This is the America that we are really about, enough of the dividing. We are always stronger together and never forget that

[lindadesposito]

Thank you so much for making this video. I was working by Penn Station that day. I walked to the docks there. NY Waterway ferries were waiting to take us to Hoboken.

I had no idea then of the scope of the evacuation. Tugboats, private boats,
the ferries. God bless every l d of them.

It did not end there. When I entered Hoboken, I could see buses from other parts of Nee Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and points further away lumbering in. They were
going to evacuate the injured to hospitals. I was heartened by how many people were coming to help.
The sad thing was very few survivors were found in the rubble.

Although the worst had happened, Americans were at their best that day. It carried over weeks, even months later. We pulled together.

Now look at does it take for us to stop bickering and come back together? Another disaster?

[lindaklee]

Such a moving story... we as Americans need to come together like this more often.

[Soundshockk]

I watched this video 2-3 times in L.A, the first time I saw it, I was surprised. I never knew people could come together like that. Everyone has a little bit of hero In them.

[hildabaker]

These are true everyday heroes. No celebrity of any type that so many people revere can even begin to match the many heroes of that day and other such days before and after.

[dominicwilliamson]

500, 000 people evacuated. 9 hours. Ik they didnt have far to cross. But that is a nutty thing to accomplish. America's greats strength. Our compasion. And our logistical ability

[mariamwellington]

Amaizing heroes these guys. Humanity and selfless. Im proud to be an American.

[JillBrooke]

Such an amazing story. I hadn't heard about this.
Thanks for making this film!

[queenfan]

A high school classmate of mine lived on a boat in Manhattan. He said his parents were part of this evacuation. They used their boat to help people get off the island.

[BIRDERDT]

Wonderful film and a great story about hundreds of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Made my husband cry. We watched Lower Manhattan smolder from a bluff near Sandy Hook, NJ. I will never forget all those heroes that day.

[karindella]

Please keep sharing, people need to know the incredible story of these heroes.

[Will-iwql]

I watch this every year at 9/11 I pray for those family's who lost family

[denises]

Beautiful story. It’s time for Americans to unite our country once again ❤️

[TeresaHogg]

Blessing of coming together and helping one another. Amazing !!!

[karenleibowitz]

An amazing story. Thank you to all of these heroes.

[jerrywilcox]

Amazing, referencing the could have, should have, would have, and how we need to instill this in our youth is key to our future, people are good, are great, are loving and kind...pass this along, these hero's deserve to have this message sent, Bless you all

[grumylynn]

I've never seen this. Amazing and wonderful.

[wonderfulwyoming]

Loved this! Had no idea about this. Thank you!