Erosion on Hart Island Exposes Human Remains

City workers are making emergency repairs to the public cemetery on Hart Island after photographers documented how human remains had become exposed to the elements.

The burial site on the island's north shore has faced persistent erosion issues after it was damaged during Sandy in 2015. While only family members are allowed to visit burial sites, photographs taken from offshore earlier this month showed human bones exposed to the elements.

"Having skeletal remains washing into the Long Island Sound is not a decent burial," said Melinda Hunt, the director of the nonprofit Hart Island Project. "It's not even a burial."

A Civil War-era cistern next to the eroded Hart Island grave site

(Greg Gulbransen/Hart Island Project)

Hunt has butted heads with the city's Department of Correction over Hart Island's management for years. She says that the northern site, known as "Bone Beach," is particularly vulnerable to erosion from strong storms.

"There have been at least four nor'easters this year as well, and it's just a poorly-managed landscape," said Hunt.

In a statement, the Department of Correction said officials have visited the site and will rebury any exposed remains. The agency said it will expedite work to prevent more shoreline erosion.

Hart Island has served as New York City's public cemetery since 1868. About 1 million people are buried there.