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Elderly Man Rescued After Jumping From Ferry

ASBURY PARK, NJ (AP) - A 71-year-old man who jumped off a New York-bound SeaStreak Ferry was quickly rescued from the frigid ocean waters by the quick-acting crew.

The man, identified by State Police as Joseph Ryan of Middletown, jumped off the ferry at about 12:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Authorities say the ferry was headed to Pier 11 in New York and was about seven miles from Sandy Hook when the incident happened.

Senior Deckhand Dan Bevins tell the Asbury Park Press that he saw the man climb up to a rail and jump. He alerted the captain, who turned the boat around.

Bevins says that Ryan firmly grabbed the boat hook he was offered and was plucked from the water.

Ryan was conscious when the ferry reached the shore. He was taken to Monmouth Medical Center.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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