Hell Gate, Tidal strait in East River, New York City, US.
Hell Gate is a tidal strait in the East River that connects the northern end of Manhattan to Long Island Sound. The current accelerates through a narrow gap between Astoria and Randalls Island, where underwater rocks and uneven depths create swirling patterns in the water.
Adriaen Block documented the strait in 1614 while exploring the coastline and gave it its Dutch name. In the late 19th century, workers blasted many underwater rocks to make ship passage through the channel safer.
The Dutch name Hellegat means bright strait, referring to the swirling water patterns where several currents meet. Sailors and local residents still speak of this passage with respect when discussing navigation routes around the city.
Water moves fastest during tidal shifts, when direction and speed change within a short time. Those wanting to observe the currents from shore can find viewpoints along the Astoria waterfront and on Randalls Island.
Flood Rock, a large underwater obstacle in the middle of the channel, was blasted away in 1885 using more than 130 tons of explosives. The detonation is considered one of the largest engineering feats of its time and shook surrounding neighborhoods for several seconds.
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