Community Corner

Video: Beachgoers Rescuing Stranded Boat Is 'What NYC Is About'

"Don't let anyone tell you that people in New York City don't care," a man said as the crowd pushed the boat off Brooklyn's Brighton Beach.

Brooklyn beachgoers rescued a stranded boat on Brighton Beach.
Brooklyn beachgoers rescued a stranded boat on Brighton Beach. (Citizen App.)

BROOKLYN, NY — A crowd of people who rushed to save a stranded boater at Brighton Beach on Sunday is proof that New Yorkers do, in fact, have a heart, a man who videotaped the rescue said.

The video, streamed on Citizen App, shows half a dozen beachgoers and another boater stepping in to help a boat that had washed up near Brighton 4th Street. The boat, with the help of a rope tow, gets pushed back out to sea as rough winds nearly tip it over onto the shore, video shows.

"This is amazing," the man taking the video narrates as dozens of onlookers crowd the beach. "This is just a bunch of New York people — just concerned citizens — trying to help this guy with his boat."

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The rescue started just before 6 p.m. when a man, who later says his name is Sean, walks into the waves to help a jet skier attach a rope to the front of the vessel. The person on the jet ski had brought the rope over from a smaller boat that is floating further into the water.

"The wind is so strong here that this entire mast might come down," the videographer says. "This guy is a hero right now — he's actually taking a big risk."

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The man explains that the strong winds had brought the boat to the shore. So far, no emergency responders had been called to help, he adds.

"It's really amazing s---," he says. "Sorry for cursing, it's just really amazing."

As the smaller boat starts to tug the stranded ship into the water, people rush in to help push.

"Look how many people are jumping into the water right now to help this guy," the man continues. "This just shows what New York City is all about. Don't let anyone tell you that people in New York City don't care."

As the boat finally floats back out onto the water, cheers erupt from the crowd of onlookers.

Sean walks back onto the beach, where the videographer is waiting to congratulate him.

"You’re on the internet right now," he says. "I wanted people to recognize that you’re a hero for really getting involved."


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