There’s more than just a little noise coming from the Bronx these days.
It’s turning into quite the aquatic party scene, thanks to a group dubbed the “Party Pirates.” They’re anchoring boats equipped with massive speaker systems near City Island, creating disruptions that are driving local residents to distraction.
Locals have claimed that the music blasting from these giant “Charcello” speakers can be heard for quite a distance—perhaps a bit too much distance.
“We first started noticing it about eight years ago—just a couple of rowdy guys. Then, during Covid, people really got into it,” one resident shared.
As summer heats up, the ruckus around Heart Island, the public cemetery on Long Island Sound’s edge, becomes a nightly occurrence.
The sounds reverberate through City Island, irritating nearby residents. Bob Pretty, a City Island newcomer from 2018, noted, “In the evenings, it can be just a passing boat, but it sticks around.”
“And the Sunday night festivities last until 4 AM, which is… interesting, considering many have work on Monday,” he said.
Yet it’s not just the noise that concerns people. Recently, there were major incidents—about 20 people were injured in June when a 35-foot party boat caught fire, leading to the captain’s arrest for driving under the influence.
For recreational operators, the threshold for being under the influence is a BAC of 0.08%. For those working commercially, the limit is even stricter at 0.04%.
Frederick Lambtor, president of the City Island Civic Association, expressed frustration: “You can hear loud music until 3 or 4 AM. There are parties happening in Hart Island and Eastchester Bay too, so the noise really spreads.”
A lifelong City Island resident, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their dismay over the behavior of some partygoers: “I’ve seen them arriving in scant attire—a bit too revealing, I think.”
Residents and officials are pressing for more patrols from both the NYPD and the US Coast Guard to curb the “pirate” parties.
“My office is in talks with NYPD about funding more patrol units this summer,” said Council member Christy Marmorato, though confirmation from the police chief is still pending.
Earlier this year, members of the NYC Pirates, the jet ski group behind some of the festivities, met with local authorities to talk about the safety and quality of life issues the parties bring.
Pirate leader James Reichelt indicated they want to bridge a gap with the locals, even though he wasn’t involved in the June boat fire. He did stress that he aims to keep things under control on the water.
“I create parties all around New York, including around City Island,” Reichelt noted. “We just don’t want to disturb people unnecessarily.”
Speaking on the change in location, he explained, “We moved to Hart Island years ago after being asked to leave busier spots. We noticed a mix of people at City Island meetings and wanted to respect everyone’s need for peace.”
Community members feel that there could be a stronger enforcement presence from the Coast Guard, and they expressed disappointment over its perceived lack of action.
“The area really needs more law enforcement assistance,” Sheridan pointed out, while noting the Coast Guard’s silence on the matter.
The NYPD reassured the community of their commitment to keeping the waterways safe. They stated they would enforce laws through patrols and have already issued numerous subpoenas to ensure compliance.
Despite the ongoing issues, boats continue to gather near City Island. One resident even recounted hearing an impressive 18 hours of bass music over Independence Day weekend. Plus, there was a sizable jet skiing event recently dubbed the “NYC Invasion.” It’s known as the “biggest water event of the year.”
Reichelt acknowledged that most people heed requests to lower the volume, but a few individuals often think they can act recklessly: “Ninety percent are respectful, but there’s always someone who wants to push boundaries.”
Malcolm “Tommy” Jones, another local, believes in the importance of enjoying the summer while also following regulations: “I pay significant fees to register my boats, and I just want fairness. We could work together if they designate a space for us.”
Zeeshan “Princezee” Ali, a popular YouTube humorist, has taken to the waters as well, capturing the lively scenes with his drone. He maintains, “There’s nothing wrong with the community vibe—just like a yacht club. It feels positive overall.”
