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.
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