Construction barge struck by a tug boat at the Tappan Zee Bridge
Construction barge struck by a tug boat at the Tappan Zee Bridge (Kevin P. Coughlin/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)
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A New Jersey man was killed on a tugboat that hit a construction barge under the Tappan Zee Bridge early Saturday morning, officials said.

Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino identified the dead crewman on board the tug named The Specialist as Paul Amon, 62, of Bayville.

"He was a great man," Amon's daughter told CBS New York.  “He loved to sail, loved fishing, loved everything to do with the water. He loved his tug boat job. When it was time to go to work, he enjoyed it,”

The U.S. Coast Guard said it will continue the search for two other missing crewmen on Sunday morning.

Three tugboats were leading a barge carrying a crane south on the Hudson River from Albany to Jersey City, according to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo who called the accident a "tragedy." The contingent came too close to the barge causing the Specialist to sink and leak 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel creating a slick 100 yards wide and 5 miles long. according to Cuomo.

"The state is actively working with our partners in law enforcement in locating the missing crew members and minimizing environmental damage along the Hudson River. We will conduct a full investigation to understand exactly what led to today's events and provide more information as it becomes available," said Cuomo.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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