Uploaded September 2015 | Updated September 2026, 7 hours ago

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On September 11th, 2001, as hundreds of thousands fled south from the burning towers, people quickly discovered something we often forget: that Manhattan is an island. As officials closed all bridges, tunnels and commuter lines linking Manhattan to the rest of the world, people were trapped.

The little told story of what happened next is the focus of the documentary short film, BOATLIFT, narrated by Tom Hanks. Produced and directed by Eddie Rosenstein. Eyepop Productions, Inc. www.eyepopproductions.com. The film premiered at the Center for National Policy’s 9/11 Ten Year Anniversary Summit, in Washington, D.C.

BOATLIFT is the story of the largest maritime evacuation in history.
On 9/11, over 500,000 people were rescued from Manhattan’s seawalls in just nine hours. How did this happen? What heroism made this possible? The answer lies in the resilience of the every day people at the scene that day, and the brave community of mariners who ply the waters of New York’s Harbor.

This short film is a little longer than anything we usually post. We encourage you to take a moment to view it and remember the acts of heroism, large and small, displayed on this day that we will never forget.

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