Manhattan kayak race stopped after river pileup
The Associated Press
NEW YORK - A kayak race around Manhattan became a rescue mission when a strong current and wind pitched competitors into the water, dashing their boats into a barge.
There were no serious injuries in Sunday's chain of accidents.
The race, called the Mayor's Cup New York City Kayak Championships, drew more than 140 competitors from a dozen countries. The aim is to be first to paddle 27 miles around the island.
The competition was stopped when a current pulled one kayak into a barge near Battery Park. Police say other racers then lost control trying to avoid the first one. Still others battling the wind and current became so tired they had to be rescued.
About 100 kayakers were going for the $5,000 prize to paddle from lower Manhattan up the Hudson River, and down the East River.
