Tragic Shipyard Explosion Claims Life of Immigrant Worker

A man who lost his life in a recent explosion at a Staten Island shipyard was a dedicated Chinese immigrant, his family shared on Saturday. Xiaoyuan Li, from Flushing, was wrapping up his last day of work at the Mariners Harbor dry dock before a planned weekend getaway with his wife, according to his son, Jerome Li.

“My mother called to say that a coworker had notified the police my father was trapped in a boat,” Lee recalled from his home in Queens.

“Then, just 45 minutes later, there was an explosion.”

Officials reported that thirty individuals, including two firefighters, sustained injuries during the incident, with one in critical condition. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation.

After the fire erupted, a coworker helped Jerome’s mother reach the dry dock, but Jerome, who hurried there via Uber, said the circumstances looked grim.

The supervisor informed the family they needed to “wait for the report and see what’s going on.”

Jerome, a recent college graduate, described the scene: “My mother was crying in despair.” He added, “I was shocked. I thought there might be hope. When I arrived, I was told that no one had died yet, but they still hadn’t found my father. It’s just so sad. I’m trying not to break down.”

His father had emigrated from Yanbian, a region in China near North Korea, about a decade ago, seeking a better life for his loved ones.

Li had spent around four years working at the ship repair company, often starting his day at 4 a.m. and returning home by 5 p.m. His routine included a tofu breakfast and a packed lunch prepared by his wife.

“He worked hard and looked after his family,” Jerome said. “Working at the shipyard is intense and exhausting. I come home so tired every day.”

Jerome also noted that his father was aware of the dangers that came with the job.

“He’s often alone in the basement,” he explained. “We really need a safety net.”

The family reported that they have yet to hear from anyone at May Ship Repair following the tragic incident.

Jerome mentioned, “My mother just wants to understand why this happened.”

He continued, “This is a truly heartbreaking moment. I just graduated two days ago. It was supposed to be a new chapter for me, and it was my father’s last day at work, just before our planned trip.”