Scott W. Hansen, 21, student, saved Madeline Byrd, 26, from drowning, New York, New York, January 20, 1969. When Miss Byrd fell from a ferryboat into New York Harbor a mile and a half from shore, air trapped in her clothing provided some buoyancy for her in the deep water. She called for help. Hansen removed part of his attire and jumped from the ferryboat into the cold water, taking with him a life ring. He swam 170 feet to Miss Byrd, who appeared to be in shock. When she made no attempt to hold to the life ring, Hansen put it over her arm and then supported her at the surface. The tidal current carried them farther from the idling ferryboat, where a lifeboat had been launched. By the time the lifeboat reached them, Miss Byrd was immobile and Hansen was beginning to feel numb from the cold water. Efforts to get Miss Byrd aboard nearly capsized the lifeboat. Hansen then held Miss Byrd’s arms over the stern of the boat, and the men in it began rowing. A harbor tug arrived and took Miss Byrd and Hansen to shore. Both were treated at a hospital for shock and exposure.
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