Fisherman Swept Off Breezy Point Jetty Dies, Another Man Rescued

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – One man has died after being swept off a jetty in Breezy Point.

Witnesses told CBS2's Dave Carlin two men were fishing off the jetty Saturday, even though the tide appeared to be very high and some of the rocks were barely visible.

"One wave hit them they lost some gear in the water, the following wave hit them and that was it. One guy went into the water unconscious head down," Lt. Steven Szewczyk of the FDNY's Marine 3 said.

Fire officials say one man died in the accident, but the other fisherman survived thanks to a couple boating in the area who saw the accident unfold.

The fisherman who survived was reportedly grabbed by the woman boater. Water rescue units performed CPR and were able to get the fisherman to an ambulance on shore, which transported him to a local hospital.

The FDNY says this reminds everyone to take proper precautions when fishing.

"You should have a life vest on. You should know the tides. You should know the weather," Lt. Szewczyk added.

Fishermen are reminded the seasons changing from summer to fall mean fewer people around some beach areas to help those who get into trouble by the water.