Rescuers recall moments fisherman was rescued from Mohawk river

Rescuers recall moments fisherman was rescued from Mohawk river Zach Richter WNYT Rescuers recall moments fisherman was rescued from Mohawk river The fire chief says in his 13 years as chief he's never had a call like this. WATERFORD, NY (WNYT) – State Police body camera video shows rescuers pulling a fisherman to safety near Peebles Island. Firefighters and police officers used ropes to bring him to shore without injuries after he became stranded in the Mohawk River. NewsChannel 13 spoke with some of the rescuers including Waterford Fire Chief Donald Baldwin. Chief Baldwin said in his 13 years as fire chief, he’s never had a call quite like this one. “He was stranded. The way the way it was, the river was there was an incline for the boat that had to come up with was rocky, choppy water. So we just couldn’t get to him via boat. So our only option was by land to perform a rescue,” Chief Baldwin said. State Police said 2 fishermen were about 25 yards from shore when the current rapidly increased. One fisherman made it back to shore safely, but the other could not. “It was running fast, and he was afraid to move,” Chief Baldwin said. “As soon as the victim got the rope and the lifejacket on, he felt comfortable. He made a go for it,” Baldwin said. “And at that point, we just pulled them in with the rope. And when he got to shore, I actually grabbed them, took him out of the water and put him on land.” NewsChannel 13 also spoke with another rescuer from the scene, Karleigh White. White also happens to be one of Waterford’s newest firefighters. “We wanted to get him a life vest. So we threw out the rope shimmy the life vest down to get him,” White said. “ I hate to say it was good learning experience for me. Definitely went smooth.” Firefighters said the water temperature was estimated to be in the 50s at the time and the fisherman was in the water for about an hour before he decided to call for help. “If you’re not familiar with the area don’t fish there. Don’t go in the water. Fish from shore or boat,” Baldwin said. Baldwin said the fisherman was cold and shaken up, but had no injuries.