NYPD On Hudson River Kayak Rescues LIVE NOW: The NYPD has an update on kayakers who were rescued after being struck by a ferry on the Hudson River. Posted by CBS New York on Tuesday, August 30, 2016

NEW YORK -- A passenger ferry collided with a group of kayakers near the Manhattan side of the Hudson River Tuesday night, the NYPD said in a televised press conference.

WABC 7 reported the NY Waterways Water Taxi was bound for Jersey City when it struck some of the eight kayaks around 5:45 p.m near Pier 79.

According to police, at least five people were hurt with minor injuries, but one employee of the Manhattan Kayak Company suffered a serious arm wound with significant blood loss and loss of consciousness. He was assisted by Officer Tommy Lee of the NYPD, police said.

An 18-year-old from Missouri who received the kayaking trip as a graduation present also suffered a severe elbow laceration, according to PIX11.com.

The U.S. Coast Guard and the FDNY also assisted in the rescue.

The kayakers, from the Manhattan Kayak Company, were on an instructional trip travelling south on the Hudson River. The 10 kayakers were in eight kayaks.

The captain tested negative for drugs and alcohol. Authorities did say sun glare could not be ruled out as a cause.

"When you're driving the same thing happens. When that sun is low in the sky you get a glare condition and where you get blinded on the road sometimes the same conditions could exist on the water," New York Police Department Inspector David Driscoll said.

The Associated Press contributed this report.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com

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