• A naked man stole a dinghy from a Manhattan marina and led police on a chaotic chase along the Hudson River.
• He jumped from the dinghy onto a moored catamaran before being arrested by NYPD Harbor Unit officers.
• Believed to be on meth, he was taken to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital for evaluation and treatment.

A bizarre scene unfolded along the Hudson River Saturday afternoon, leaving onlookers stunned and police scrambling in a multi-unit manhunt on the water. A completely naked man — later described by witnesses as muscular and clearly unwell — took off in a stolen dinghy from a Manhattan marina, turning a sunny day on the river into a jaw-dropping spectacle.

Unhinged Behavior at the Marina

It all began just after noon at the Dyckman Street Marina in Inwood, where staff noticed a man acting erratically near the docks. According to employees, the man, believed to be around 40 and from Brooklyn, was behaving strangely and making people uncomfortable. He had arrived clothed but seemed disconnected from reality, talking to himself and pacing nervously along the edge of the marina.

Staff members eventually asked him to leave. He did — but returned minutes later, stark naked.

Before anyone could react, the man sprinted toward a small dinghy tied up at the dock, hopped in, and started paddling into the Hudson River. There was no warning, no conversation. Just a naked man and a stolen boat drifting into open water.

A Wild Chase Begins

As soon as marina employees realized what had happened, they called the NYPD. Within minutes, both the Harbor and Aviation Units were deployed, launching a search for the man who was now floating freely — and unclothed — down one of New York City’s busiest waterways.

From above, the NYPD’s helicopter tracked the dinghy’s movement as officers in boats cut across the river to intercept him. But this wasn’t just a simple joyride. The naked intruder had a new destination in mind: a catamaran anchored not far from the shore.

With shocking agility, the man climbed out of the dinghy and onto the larger vessel, making his way across the deck of the catamaran like it was his own. “He jumps from one boat to the other,” one law enforcement source said. “It was surreal.”

Taken Into Custody on the Water

Police boats soon caught up and surrounded the catamaran. Officers from the Harbor Unit boarded the vessel and confronted the man, who reportedly offered no resistance. Though naked and clearly disoriented, he didn’t lash out. He was handcuffed on deck and brought into custody.

The man, whose name has not yet been released, was taken to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital for psychiatric evaluation and treatment. According to sources close to the investigation, authorities believe he was under the influence of methamphetamines at the time of the incident.

Public Reaction: Confusion, Concern, and a Bit of Humor

Witnesses at the marina and nearby piers watched the drama unfold in disbelief. Some thought it was a stunt at first — part of a show or maybe a prank. But it quickly became clear that this was very real and very serious.

“I’ve lived in this city for 20 years and I’ve seen a lot,” said one woman who was walking her dog near the marina. “But a naked man stealing a boat and paddling into the Hudson? That’s a first.”

Videos of the incident quickly popped up on social media, with many users posting tongue-in-cheek comments and memes. “When you’re having a midlife crisis but can’t afford therapy,” joked one Twitter user.

But others were more concerned. “It’s funny until you realize this guy could have gotten hurt or worse,” said another witness. “The river is no joke. And what if kids were around when he came back naked?”

Larger Issues at Play

This incident might seem ridiculous on the surface — a naked man on a joyride down the Hudson River — but it raises serious concerns about mental health and drug use in the city.

“This wasn’t just a harmless prank,” said a retired NYPD officer who used to work in the Harbor Unit. “You’ve got a guy, clearly not in his right mind, on meth, putting himself and others at risk. That could’ve ended very badly.”

In recent years, New York has seen an uptick in unusual incidents linked to mental health crises. While the city has increased outreach programs and access to care, many feel it’s still not enough. Events like Saturday’s highlight the urgency of addressing untreated mental illness and substance abuse before they escalate into dangerous — or even deadly — situations.

What Happens Next?

The man is currently undergoing evaluation and is expected to face charges for theft and reckless endangerment. Depending on his mental health assessment, authorities may opt for treatment over jail time.

Meanwhile, the boat owners and marina staff are left cleaning up the mess — both literally and figuratively. The dinghy was returned with minor damage, and the catamaran’s owners have been notified. Police say no one was injured and no property was seriously damaged.

As for the naked sailor himself, his short but unforgettable voyage on the Hudson will likely go down as one of the most bizarre scenes New Yorkers have witnessed this summer — and that’s saying something in a city where strange is part of the everyday.