Croton-on-Hudson's Rescue Dive team rescued the last of five men who plunged into the raging Croton River Sunday while on an inflatable boat. One of the quintet died.
The river was moving at about 40 miles an hour, making it impossible for rescuers to reach one man hanging onto a snagged tree in the middle of the current near Mayo's Landing—either by boat or helicopter—for more than three hours.
Rescuers on either bank of the river could see but not grab him. Finally, the man let go. Twenty seconds later he shot through the length of the snag and three Croton on Hudson Dive Team members plucked him from the water. He had developed hypothermia.
The incident occurred about about a half-mile northeast of the mouth of the river.
Rain water from Hurricane Irene had raised the speed and level of the river—so much that it lapped at the Metro North trestle bridge at its mouth yesterday morning at the height of the Hudson River tide.
Four other adults who had been on the boat were rescued earlier in the evening. One of the men was given CPR at the scene, but died after he was taken to the hospital. The three others who were rescued are said to be okay.
Police received the call about the boaters at 5:46 p.m.
Return to Patch for updates.
I am glad that no one else was hurt, especially those that tried so valiantly to save Peter's and the other rafters lives. He never would have wanted anyone to come in harms way trying to save him.
I strongly disagree with you sir. Regardless of how skilled a rafter your friend was he gave up his concern for anyone to come in harms way when he got in the raft. Your friend had a choice to participate in extremely reckless and dangerous behavior. There were clear warnings out not to go in the Croton river. All those in the raft made a conscious decision to get in the raft when they were warned not to. This is similar to when someone gets in a car and drives at unsafe speeds. They not only risk their lives but those who share the roads and those who have to rescue them. I was at the dam before your friends got in the raft and saw the conditions of the river. I have still pictures of the conditions of the river and saw your friends preparing to leave and thought to myself somebody would get hurt. I witnessed the rescue attempts and tried to assist by using binoculars to try to locate anyone who might be missing. I use the river when it is safe and respect it when it is not. Again my condolences, this is a tragedy that could have been avoided.
Peter made a choice and he paid for it with his life. Now he is being condemned by people who know nothing of him or the contributions he made to so many others. It appears to be more comfortable to sit in the high chair of sanctimony and pass judgement than it is to just be saddened by the loss of someone so good. There is nothing to be learned by this accident. It won't stop others from rafting or kayaking in high water any more than someone dying while surfing big waves, sky diving, mountaineering or extreme skiing will dull the appeal of those sports. Passing negative judgement beyond ones own mirror, serves no benefit and will only allow that person to feel better about themselves and only in their own eyes. I will celebrate my friends life and not second guess or condemn him for his choice. If true condolences are being wished, then for the sake of his children, please just leave it at that.
If you have nothing nice to say don't say anything at all. This man's family, friends, and loved one are in enough pain & suffering without these cruel comments.
Tell me Bill - what have you done to help the flood victims?