Troy Firefighters Jump into Hudson River to Rescue Distressed Man

On Sunday afternoon Troy firefighters and police rushed to the scene of a man in distress at the Troy riverfront. Apparently the man jumped into the river in a suicide attempt. Troy police and fire crews had been trying to talk to the man before he jumped approximately 15 feet into the frigid waters.

Firefighter Richard Bellamy put on an insulated water rescue suit was lowered down by fellow rescuers to save the man. Bellamy was able to get the man in a harness and rescuers pulled him out of the water.

The man survived and was taken in an ambulance to Samaritan Hospital. A witness on the scene said he appeared to be in stable condition when he was brought out of the water.

The average water temperature this time of year in the Hudson River is a frigid 37 degrees. Some spots are obviously colder where ice builds up, as can be seen in parts of the video. Not to mention the river's variable current, which luckily, didn't seem all that strong.

Troy Police and Fire deserve a major shout out for this one. This is one of those situations that could have ended very badly, but the right people were in the right place at the right time to make sure this man got a second chance at life.

If you or someone you know is in trouble, know that there is help available. The Suicide Prevention Center of New York has set up a number of ways to get help 24/7. Text 'Got5' to 741741 or call 800-273-TALK (8255).

Shoutout to Sidewinder Photography on Facebook for capturing this rescue.

[Times Union]