The fascinating and uplifting story of the mariners who put themselves in harm’s way to evacuate stranded commuters from Manhattan after the towers fell on 9/11

Each day the island of Manhattan's population swells from 2.5 to 8 million. When the roads, tunnels, and bridges were closed on 9/11/2001, the waterways remained open. When the coast guard called for "all available boats," hundreds of boats that ply the rivers surrounding the island began ferrying shocked commuters homeward. Once all the folks were removed, the city's maritime community continued to use its boats in the follow-up mission, carrying medical supplies and food and water for the rescue workers. Later bodies were transported, too.

Written by a mariner who took part in the event, "All Available Boats" is the breathtaking account of one of the greatest boatlifts in history.