FDNY Vessel Returning to Quarters Rescues Capsized Boaters

FDNY firefighters returning to marine headquarters on Staten Island rescued two boaters whose vessel capsized Saturday.

The crew aboard FDNY's Marine 9 was on its way back to quarters when it received a distress call from a ship about five miles away, the department said in an online update. Once they reached the location, the firefighters saw that the boat was taking on water and ready to capsize.

Fire Lt. Jason Ronayne told the boat's two passengers to put on their personal flotation devices, and firefighter Lawrence Rooney moved Marine 9 within 200 feet of the troubled vessel. The boat then capsized, and the passengers grabbed on to parts of the vessel that hadn't gone under the water.

Firefighter Harry Callahan, who had already put on his personal flotation device, jumped in the water, swam to the boaters and told them to let go of the sinking boat. The boaters eventually were brought aboard Marine 9, and they were taken the New Jersey Marina, where EMS workers were waiting to treat their injuries, which were not considered life-threatening.