Three people were pulled from the waters of the East River near the Whitestone shoreline after the 32-foot pleasure boat began taking on water, the FDNY announced Friday.
FDNY Marine Company 4 responded to a mayday call after the vessel struck an object in the water near the Whitestone Bridge and began to sink on the evening of May 20.
Marine 4, operated by Firefighter Kelly Lyons, pulled up alongside the stricken vessel and found three individuals clinging to the side of the boat, one with a head injury. Firefighter Eric Logan acted as a tether while Firefighter Tyler Hickey jumped into the water and made three separate trips despite a very strong current and brought each of the three victims to safety, according to FDNY Lieutenant David Torres. The three adults were treated on board Marine 4 for shock, hypothermia, and injuries before being transferred to EMS crews waiting at Fort Totten.
“We attended the summer boat program, a two-week, hands-on, and intense course that prepares us for every possible scenario,” Lt. 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’m very proud of these guys.”
