NYPD Helicopter Saves Three Jewish Men After They Crash Through Jamaica Bay Ice

Three Jewish men were pulled from the icy waters of Jamaica Bay on Friday after falling through thin ice in Far Rockaway, prompting a frantic rescue involving NYPD aviation and FDNY crews.

FDNY officials say the call came in around 4:15 p.m., reporting multiple people in the water near 13-10 Norton Drive.

Witnesses said the three young men were walking across the frozen bay when the ice suddenly gave way, sending them plunging into the frigid water. “They’re all screaming help. They’re panicking,” said witness Thomas Castro.

Authorities confirmed the men, all 22 years old, had ventured onto the ice before an NYPD helicopter arrived to hoist them out. “I started screaming at them… I said listen calm down,” witness Aiden Gabourel said.

FDNY members reached the scene first, followed closely by the NYPD helicopter overhead.

Witnesses say one FDNY rescuer briefly fell in while trying to reach the victims but was able to climb out. An NYPD scuba team member also slipped into the water during the effort. Castro described the tense moment: “The first guy that came out of the helicopter actually needed to rescue himself… the line kinda detached itself.”

Rescuers lifted the victims out one by one in a race against time. NYPD aviation footage captured the precision and urgency of the operation.

Officials said the third victim had stopped moving after nearly 40 minutes in the water. Gabourel recalled, “He looked like he was struggling more than the other ones… I just thought about hypothermia.”

Neighbors said the men had been walking on the ice repeatedly throughout the week, despite warnings. “All the neighbors tell them to stop. They don’t listen,” Castro said. Gabourel added, “Every day… I say look that’s not a good idea.”

Two victims were taken to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital and one to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. All were conscious and alert.