By Michael V. Cusenza
City firefighters on Friday once again showed why they’re New York’s Bravest—but this time, instead of battling a ferocious blaze they withstood the tremendously choppy waters of the Atlantic Ocean to make a daring sea rescue.
On Friday afternoon, the FDNY vessel Marine 3 responded to a capsized boat with two people in the water approximately one mile off the Rockaway Jetty.
Captain Chris Calabrese was operating his fishing vessel, “Terry Malloy,” and witnessed the boat flip. He was able to direct Lt. Andrew Mackenzie over the radio and was instrumental in assisting the marine unit to quickly find the victims in the rough seas. Upon arrival, Firefighter Cornelius Maguire observed two victims struggling to stay afloat. One victim was clinging to a 10-gallon gas can and the other was bleeding from the head, clinging to the overturned vessel. Firefighter Christopher Mancini maneuvered through ocean swells capable of sinking Marine 3 toward the vessel and was able to position the FDNY boat within feet of the victims. Maguire deployed a throw bag rope to the first victim and pulled them from the water to the safety of Marine 3’s deck. Maguire redeployed the rope to the second victim and pulled them aboard along with Lt. Mackenzie.
Photo Courtesy of FDNY
The hero marine firefighters.
Both patients were showing signs of shock and hypothermia, and one was bleeding from the forehead. Patient care was immediately initiated. Due to their conditions, Marine 3 immediately responded back to Brooklyn quarters for medical care by EMS.
“The members of Marine 3 quickly overcame challenging ocean conditions to aid these victims and safely remove them from harm,” FDNY officials said.
