HYDE PARK – Two Hyde Park Good Samaritans are credited with saving a man whose sailboat capsized on the Hudson River off Hyde Park around 6 p.m. on Thursday.
The 44-year-old boater from Poughkeepsie was on the river when a strong line of thunderstorms produced moderate waves and heavy winds causing his boat to capsize. The man was able to climb on top of the overturned boat and call for help.
Despite the adverse conditions, Jeff Ledoux and Thomas Sanford launched a small boat to rescue the man. Ledoux was able to get the man onto their boat and they secured a line to the capsized craft.
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s boat with a Roosevelt fire captain and firefighter/EMT on board arrived on the scene. The boater was transferred to the sheriff’s boat and fire personnel began patient assessment. The man was transported to the dock at Hyde Park Marina and EMS personnel determined he was not injured.
The sheriff’s boat returned to the scene and towed the sailboat to the marina. First responders and area residents assisted with righting the boat.
All boaters are encouraged to stay with their boat or watercraft if it capsizes. Attempted to swim to shore is strongly discouraged due to the currents in the Hudson. It is also easier for first responders to locate a vessel as compared to a person in the water.
Boaters are encouraged to always wear a personal flotation device.
