I am not sure, if anybody mentioned it yet, as I did not read the whole thread. I used to fly and teach floats in Canada. The best and smoothiest landings on the river were the ones with the current and into the wind. Both reduce your water speed at touchdown. Lets say that your current is 20 knots running with you and your headwind is 10 knots against you, your water speed at touchdown is going to be 30 knots less, than it would be under no current and no wind conditions. I think that they mentioned, that the aircraft was drifting south during the rescue operation. But that river is tidal, mind you, so it could have been running the other way or be stationary at the time of the ditching. I am not sure about the tidal conditions around New York. I am also not sure of the wind conditions, but judging by takeoffs from La Guardia to the north, the winds would be favourable. Extra 30 knots slow down is very valuable in landings on the water. If you double the speed in the air, you have 4 times the drag. But if you double the speed on the water, you have 8 times the drag.
Anyway, excellent job! I would be happy to sign the guy off!