Firefighters rescued three people in the nick of time from a sinking boat in the East River on Tuesday night, the FDNY said.
A marine unit of New York’s Bravest responded to a mayday radio call of a boat that had struck an object and begun going down near the Whitestone Bridge in the East River near Throgs Neck, in the Bronx.
Firefighter Kelly Lyons of Marine 4, who was operating the FDNY boat, pulled up to the sinking craft, onto which three individuals were clinging for their lives, one with a head injury, the FDNY said in a post on X.
Firefighter Tyler Hickey then jumped into the water, battling a strong current, while tethered by a rope to Firefighter Eric Kogan, to assist the victims. Hickey made three trips back and forth in the treacherous water to save the boaters one by one.
The three rescued persons were treated on board the FDNY boat for shock, hypothermia and other injuries. They were then transferred to EMS medics at Fort Totten Park.
Lt. David Torres of FDNY Marine 4 said, thanks to top-notch training, their crew was well prepared to make the challenging rescue.
“We attended the summer boat program, a two-week, hands-on and intense course that prepares us for every possible scenario,” Torres said. “Combined with our firefighting experience in high-stress situations where every second counts, we worked together, stayed in our lanes, and saved lives. It was incredible teamwork. I am very proud of these guys.”
