Thursday, June 29, 2023 12:55AM
CLIFTON, New Jersey (WABC) — First responders were lifted out of the water after being stranded on a boat during an active rescue on the Clifton side of the Passaic River on Wednesday.
Clifton Mayor Raymond Gabowski says workers in two boats were doing some sort of construction work, side by side, along the Dundee Dam when one of the boats became detached.
Clifton fire crews responded to the scene, and in the process, a fire boat flipped over in the water stranding two firefighters.
Video captured the dramatic moments a rescue worker repelled down roughly 100 feet from a New Jersey State Police helicopter via a rope to lift the two firefighters one-by-one from the boat.
The first rescue appeared to be easier than the second, with gusty winds and strong currents picking up as the operation continued.
After an initial attempt to rescue the second firefighter proved unsuccessful, the helicopter was able to circle back. The rescue worker was then able to secure the stranded firefighter on the second try and lifted him out safely.
Other first responders could also be seen along the banks of the river aiding in the rescue.
The mayor said everyone, including the workers in the initial rescue, are ok.
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