The Vessel: NYC's Most Dramatic Stairway (or is it?)
Ah, the Vessel. Manhattan's beloved (and slightly controversial) beehive-shaped climbable sculpture. You've seen it on Instagram, you've probably heard the rumors... People are flinging themselves off left and right? Hold on to your hats, folks, because we're about to dive into the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the (slightly sarcastic) truth.
Don't Worry, It's Not a Daily Dose of Daredevil Games
Let's get one thing straight: while the Vessel may look like it was designed by Escher himself, it's not exactly attracting daredevils for a morning plunge into the Hudson. There have been some tragic incidents, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by them. But to answer your question directly, the number of people who have jumped from the Vessel is thankfully low.
So How Many Brave Souls Have Taken the Plunge?
Now, this is where things get a little fuzzy. Since this is a sensitive topic, official numbers are hard to come by. But some reports say around four people have jumped from the Vessel since it opened. That's four too many, of course, but compared to the millions who've visited, it's important to keep things in perspective.
Is the Vessel Safe?
Well, that's a question with a complicated answer. The design itself has come under scrutiny for potentially enabling these types of incidents. After some sad events, the Vessel was actually closed for a while, and there's talk of adding safety features.
The Bottom Line: Enjoy the Climb, Not the Leap
The Vessel is a unique landmark, and it's definitely worth a visit. The views from the top are fantastic, and the climb itself is...interesting, to say the least. But remember, it's a place to enjoy the city, not become a part of its tragic stories. So snap your pictures, take in the view, and leave the daredevil stuff to the professionals (or maybe the pigeons).
