The ship has officially reopened in New York after being closed for several years due to multiple suicides.
The massive 150-foot structure located in Hudson Yards has quickly become a tourist destination not only for its unique design, but also for its sweeping views of the city and the Hudson River. However, a fourth death by suicide in July 2021 forced officials to close the doors after opening in 2019.
A ship in New York temporarily closed after a third person died in an apparent suicide
On Sunday, October 20, Related Companies, the owner of Hudson Yards, shared the news of the reopening.
“Not a day goes by without patrons coming up to our staff asking where they can buy tickets and when they will reopen,” Related CEO Jeff T. Blau said in a prepared statement, according to the Associated Press.
Ship, Hudson Yards, New York City. Atilgan Ozdil/Anadolu Agency/Getty
“That interest hasn’t diminished during the time we’ve been closed, and we’re excited to welcome guests from around the world back to the Vessel with additional security measures in place,” Blau continued.
New security measures put in place include the installation of floor-to-ceiling steel mesh barriers, with the top level of the Thomas Heatherwick design remaining closed.
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Before the shutdown, a spokesman for the related companies said for New York Post that the company has hired additional security personnel who are trained to handle people who pose a jump hazard.
After a fourth victim — a 14-year-old boy — jumped from the structure and was pronounced dead at the scene, Hudson Yards spokeswoman Kimberly Winston told The Daily Beast, “We thought we did everything we could to really prevent this . . . Hard is to understand how something like this could happen, but you know, I feel terrible for the family.
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USA- NEW YORK-HUDSON YARDS-VESSEL. Xinhua/Wang Ying/Getty
The company previously consulted with suicide prevention experts.
On Friday, October 18, ahead of the attraction’s reopening, NBC New York spoke with visitor Angelina Fiorini about the future of the Ship.
“It’s not a good thing that happened, but I think after what happened it brought awareness about mental health that we need,” she told the news outlet.
“We are pleased to welcome guests from all over New York and around the world to The Vessel at Hudson Yards,” according to a statement on The Vessel’s official website.
General admission starts at $10, but is free for New York City residents every Thursday. The location is ADA accessible and has flexible passes for $15. The latter option allows guests to book a day but arrive at any time, as opposed to the blanket approach where a date and time must be selected at the time of ticket purchase.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line by dialing 988, texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Line at 741741 or going to 988lifeline.org.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education