Agron Selimaj, a 46-year-old Manhattan restaurant owner, rescued a distressed woman from the East River on July 29 after hearing her piercing screams for help near Randall’s Island. According to local reporting, the 30-minute rescue operation involved Selimaj, his family, good Samaritans, and first responders from the FDNY and NYC Parks Department working together to pull the woman safely to shore.
How Agron Selimaj Spotted and Reached the Distressed Woman
The incident began at around 10 a.m. when Selimaj, owner of Club A Steakhouse in Midtown, dropped his son off for soccer practice at Field 82 on Randall’s Island. While his wife and daughter were in a different part of the island, Selimaj heard piercing screams coming from the river. A woman holding onto a rocky edge along the East River spotted him from afar and pleaded for help, struggling to stay above the water’s surface.
“I took my keys, my wallet, my phone and threw them on the ground,” Selimaj said, noting he was prepared to jump into the water if necessary. He walked fast along the edge to ensure she wasn’t actively drowning while his wife, who had arrived in the area, immediately called 911.
Did You Know? Agron Selimaj is the 46-year-old owner of Club A Steakhouse in Midtown Manhattan, and he was dropping his son off for soccer practice at Field 82 on Randall’s Island when he heard the woman’s cries from the East River.
The Multi-Step Rescue Effort Along the East River
Upon reaching the water’s edge, Selimaj went down on the ground to hold onto the mostly submerged woman and prepare to pull her up, but she was too afraid to let go of the rocky edge. He kept a tight grip on her while offering comfort, asking her name and where she lived to keep her calm. Other good Samaritans soon arrived to assist in comforting and rescuing the woman.
The woman stated that she usually walks her dog on Randall’s Island but had gone by herself this time, and she could not remember how she fell into the water or how long she was there. She told Selimaj that she couldn’t swim, and that she was scared, tired, and cold.
First Responders Arrive as the Rescue Concludes
Moments later, first responders from the FDNY and NYC Parks Department arrived at the scene. An FDNY member entered the river with a ladder to help guide the frightened woman onto land alongside Selimaj and other rescue workers. Emergency personnel then brought her to a nearby bench for evaluation.
The entire whirlwind rescue lasted about 30 minutes from the moment Selimaj first spotted the woman until she was safely pulled ashore. The Selimaj family expressed that they are incredibly proud of his heroic actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the rescue happen?
The incident unfolded on July 29 at around 10 a.m.
Where did the incident take place?
The rescue occurred along the East River near Field 82 on Randall’s Island.
Who assisted in the rescue?
Agron Selimaj first rushed to the woman’s aid, followed by other good Samaritans, his wife who called 911, and first responders from the FDNY and NYC Parks Department.
What would you do if you heard someone calling for help near a dangerous waterfront?
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