Jet Skiers Known for Parties Rescue Teen Who Jumped from Brooklyn Bridge
The NYC Pirates intervened seconds after a 19-year-old leaped from the bridge, handing him off to police.
A group of jet skiers, known for their rowdy waterfront parties, performed a dramatic rescue Wednesday, saving a teenager who jumped from the Brooklyn Bridge.
The group, identifying as the NYC Pirates, plucked the 19-year-old from the East River moments after his fall and transferred him to a waiting NYPD Harbor Unit boat. Police were then able to transport the teen to Bellevue Hospital, where his life was saved.
James Reichelt, president of the NYC Pirates and known as "Whiteboy," told The Post that the crew was enjoying the unseasonably warm weather near the Brooklyn Bridge when they witnessed the incident. They saw a police boat heading toward a person on top of the bridge, who then jumped.
"I know from being on the water for so many years that seconds on the water can be deadly," Reichelt said. He immediately sped his jet ski toward the splash zone.
Reichelt stated that the 19-year-old was conscious and about a foot underwater when he arrived. "I grabbed him and said, ‘Hold on, buddy, I got you! Don’t worry, I’m here,'" Reichelt recalled. The teen, visibly scared, reportedly responded with "I'm sorry."
One of Reichelt's companions tossed his own jet ski rider into the water to help stabilize the rescue as they brought the injured teen to the police boat. The victim was then taken to South Street Seaport and transported by ambulance to the hospital. Police confirmed the 19-year-old is in stable condition.
Reichelt shared the experience on social media, urging anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts to seek help. The NYC Pirates have previously hosted annual fundraisers for mental health awareness groups.
The group has a history of intervening in water rescues, including pulling swimmers out of the water during their widely publicized "water disco parties."