Harlem, NY — Chief Engineer Ray Feige Identified as Victim in Fatal Explosion on DEP Vessel
A wave of sorrow and shock has rippled across the maritime and municipal service communities following the tragic death of Chief Engineer Ray Feige, a highly respected veteran of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Feige, 58, was killed in a catastrophic explosion aboard a DEP-operated vessel earlier this week, an incident that has left colleagues, friends, and family reeling in grief and disbelief.
The explosion occurred while the vessel, part of the DEP’s extensive fleet responsible for maintaining critical infrastructure in the city’s waterways, was docked for routine maintenance near the Harlem River. Early reports suggest that the blast may have originated in the engine room where Feige was performing his duties. The exact cause of the explosion is under investigation by local authorities, including the NYPD, FDNY, and federal maritime safety officials.
Ray Feige was a proud alumnus of SUNY Maritime College, Class of 1988, and had dedicated over three decades of his life to serving the city he loved. His journey from the classrooms and training vessels of Fort Schuyler to the demanding, often perilous work aboard municipal service ships reflected his lifelong commitment to engineering excellence, environmental stewardship, and public service.
Feige’s reputation among peers was stellar. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of marine propulsion systems and his steady, humble leadership, he was often called upon to mentor younger engineers and troubleshoot some of the DEP’s most complex technical challenges. His colleagues described him as a “pillar of professionalism,” a quiet but unshakable presence who took great pride in his work and the mission of keeping New York City’s waters clean, safe, and functional.
“He wasn’t just an engineer,” said longtime coworker and friend Marco Reyes. “Ray was the heart of our crew. He cared deeply about doing the job right, about keeping everyone safe, and about passing on what he knew. We’ve lost more than a teammate—we’ve lost a cornerstone.”
Feige’s death marks a somber moment for the DEP and for the broader community of municipal workers and maritime professionals who often labor out of the public eye, ensuring the city’s essential services run smoothly. His passing highlights the inherent risks of the job and the immense courage and dedication of those who serve on the front lines of urban infrastructure.
Mayor Eric Adams expressed condolences in a statement released Thursday morning: “Chief Engineer Ray Feige gave his life in service to this city, and we owe him and his family a debt of gratitude that cannot be measured. His work helped keep New York running. We honor his memory and mourn with all who knew and loved him.”
In Harlem, the community has responded with a growing memorial at the vessel’s dock, where flowers, hard hats, and hand-written notes have been placed by fellow city workers and residents alike. Flags at city-operated facilities were ordered to be flown at half-staff in recognition of Feige’s sacrifice.
Feige is survived by his wife, two adult children, and a large extended family. Plans for a public memorial are underway, with SUNY Maritime announcing it will hold a candlelight vigil and lower its campus flag in tribute. The DEP also confirmed it will establish a scholarship fund in Feige’s name to support aspiring marine engineers and technicians from underserved communities.
As the investigation continues into the exact circumstances surrounding the explosion, city officials have pledged a comprehensive review of safety protocols aboard DEP vessels. For now, though, the focus remains on honoring a man who embodied the quiet heroism of public service.
Ray Feige’s legacy will live on—not only in the systems he helped maintain and the professionals he mentored—but in the spirit of duty, integrity, and resilience that defines New York City’s unsung heroes.