Tappan Zee Bridge - Jumper Down - 8/21/09

[gpdexplorer 46]

Date: 8/21/09

Time: 03:25

Location: Hudson River X Tappan Zee Bridge Mid Span Mile 14.0

Frequency: Fire 14, Marine 16, Marine 22, 156.225

Units Operating: Tarrytown M-5, Irvington M-4, 10 Marine, 13 Marine, Rockland County Sheriff's Marine Unit, Tarrytown 81-B1, Greenburgh EMS, NYPD Aviation

Weather Conditions: Clear, Moderately Calm Seas

Description Of Incident: Abandoned Vehicle found South bound mid-span with a note, driver believed to have jumped.

Writer: gpdexplorer (O/S)

Westchester and Rockland Marine Units along with Tarrytown VAC toned out for a possible jumper off the Tappan Zee Bridge. Vessels began searching southern sections of the TZB for the Victim. During the search, the current began to shift north, search expanded north of the TZB. Approx. 25 minutes into the search it was reported the NYSP believed the person jumped 45 minutes in the past. Piermont 13 Marine was preparing to place divers in the water and NYPD was being contacted for Aviation support. At approx 0430 a civilian sailing vessel reported that they heard someone yelling for help approx. 2 miles south of the TZB, center channel. All vessels responded to that location to assist. While responding, the civilian vessel reported having a life ring on the victim standing by for assistance. Piermont 13 Marine was first vessel on scene and deployed divers. Tarrytown Marine 5 and Nyack 10 Marine arrived on scene moments after and NYPD Aviation also arrived on scene at that time. 13 Marine rescued the victim and transported to Tarrytown dockside where 81-B1 and Greenburgh EMS were standing by. The victim was conscious and alert and was transported to Westchester Med Center. All units clear approx. 0500.

Good Work to All involved.