Doug Liman, Bourne Identity Director, Saves Three Men In Hudson Boat Crash

NEW YORK (AP) -- It wasn't a movie set and there were no cameras rolling, but when the director of the "Bourne Identity'' saw a cargo ship slam into a speedboat on the Hudson River, he jumped into action.

Hollywood director Doug Liman was out on his sailboat with friends early Wednesday morning when he saw the black cargo ship on a collision course. He says he watched in horror as the ship crashed into the speedboat and kept going.

Within seconds, the director says he motored to the scene and plucked three passengers out of the water. Liman says it was a "a close call'' for the passengers who survived the crash with just minor injuries.

The Coast Guard says it is still investigating a "possible collision'' between two vessels on the Hudson.

Comments

[ReasonIsMyReligion]

Believe it or not... I was out biking on the Hudson River Park bike trail late that night. (No one around -- you can really zoom.)

Heading south, I saw a sailboat silhouetted against Jersey City lights on the river roughly opposite Battery Park City, roughly a mile south of Pier 40 at Houston Street, and thought that was pretty weird in its own right.

Later, on return trip north, saw the ambulance and a good number of NYPD cars at the south corner of Pier 40, and Mr. Ludwig talking to NYPD. I did notice the board shorts and bare feet. Clearly a boat-related incident at that point.

Didn't put one and one together. Wish I'd noticed the big ship.

Same surveillance cameras that caught "Miracle on the Hudson" plane ditching (though farther north) should have it.

It's tempting to second-guess what Rechelbacher was doing bobbing about in the middle of the channel. He states the cargo ship lights were "off", and cites his own boat's white hull. Were HIS lights on? Glad everyone's all right. Truly Miracle on the Hudson Two.

[cwfutureboy]

As an aside, Doug Liman was HIGH-LARIOUS as 'Cousin Larry' on Perfect Strangers!

[LLNYRN]

"GO" Doug..."GO­"!!!

[mirza]

Son of a well-known Watergate hearings persona

[mirza]

that should be Iran-Contra hearings

[RDAM]

I believe, it's both Watergate and I-C. Liman, really, a heroic figure....­good on, Doug...
Amid all this garbage, it's nice to see H-P report on someone doing the "right" thing...no­t merely the right vs. left thing.

[bored2tears]

That's all well and good, but he still doesn't get a pass for "Jumper."

[Rogan]

I know...

Liman made several excellent movies... I thought he was one of those proverbial great white hopes... THE BOURNE IDENTITY was so much better than it could or even should have been...

...JUMPER was sort of so awful, his entire career is, well, suspect, and worrisome now... like when Peter Jackson made KING KONG...

[SeanOcali]

Don't forget Swingers, Go, Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

[tttony]

Duhn, duhn, DUHN!!

[corsair1917]

Brown grad does good. Well done Doug!

[plaidsportcoat]

"The Coast Guard says it is still investigating a "possible collision'' between two vessels on the Hudson."

He saw it, he touched it. What's the reason for calling it "possible" instead of just a "collision"?
Because the police and military like to own and shape the story to their own benefit, if necessary.

[real1234]

He also directed Mr and Mrs Smith starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

[d49]

Good for him and the 3 that were rescued.

[Tperl]

He should stick to saving people. His directing is not so good.

[Merckx]

Seriously? I'm not big on actions films but I thought the Bourne Identity was great.

[WSAY]

Saying things just to say things, eh?

[tttony]

...said the pot to the kettle.

[Freenation]

bravo...

[theHardTruthFairy]

Didn't know he was doing the Valerie Plame movie. Odd choice, but should be cool.

Now, it looks like he's back into action flicks with some "Moon" movie
http://30ninjas.com/blog/making-a-commitment-to-the-moon

[NoComment9]

I've met Doug Liman. Not that great.

[thaneb]

At least 3 probably disagree with you.

[pakaal]

Amen.

[billthinx]

This guy is by far the best action flick director working. He gets his pics just right, balancing all the elements and keeping the story moving. Nice action hero, too.

[Pietro Sommavilla]

Maybe he likes extreme ways..

[sja11]

what the hell are you talking about?

the whole bourne series was one continuous fight scene completely unrecognizable from the last. The first one was the only one that was mildly entertaining.

[Chuckwheat]

I'd say the best director is Paul Greengrass.

[totalliberal]

Yup.