NYPD rescues cargo ship captain - FOX 35 News Orlando

NYPD rescues cargo ship captain

Posted: Updated:
NEW YORK (MYFOXNY) -

The NYPD rescued a ship captain in trouble while aboard his cargo ship, which was anchored on New York Harbor just north of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

The rescue lasted only minutes but time was of the essence.

The NYPD received a distress call around 9:45 p.m. Tuesday from aboard the cargo ship the Grey Shark. The 60-year-old captain from Egypt was having a heart attack.

Detective Robert Brager, a tactical medic with the Emergency Services Unit, raced out on a boat to meet the ship's crew. He was able to stabilize Captain Aly Akl before the rescue helicopter arrived.

Another chopper caught the dramatic rescue on camera. On the video, you can see Detective Brager and the ship's crew struggling to steady the line as it lowered a rescue basket. The harbor swelled, and a strong, steady wind jostled the basket around the ship's bow. Finally, the line was steadied, and the captain was loaded into the rescue basket and hoisted up to the rescue chopper.

The crew chiefs, Police Officer Colin Woode and Detective Ralph Gaglioti, pulled him inside. Then, Detective Brager was hoisted up

The pilot, Police Officer Christopher Maher, and co-pilot, Sgt. John O'Hara, raced to Staten Island University Hospital, where the ship's captain remains. He is listed in stable condition, according to police.

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:01 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:01:11 GMT
    Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
    Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:08:29 GMT
    A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
    A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:46:23 GMT
    The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
    The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
Powered by WorldNow

35 Skyline Drive
Lake Mary, FL 32746

Phone: (407) 644-3535
News Tips: (866) 55-FOX35

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices