Boat Crew Rescues Man Who Fell Into Chicago River

Passengers on an architecture tour helped save the unresponsive man's life.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A man fell from the Michigan Avenue bridge into the frigid Chicago River on Friday morning. The crew and passengers on a nearby Wendella boat tour quickly sprang into action, pulling the 65-year-old man from the water and performing CPR until he regained consciousness before paramedics arrived.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of quick thinking and community action in emergency situations. The boat crew and tour passengers demonstrated bravery and lifesaving skills that likely prevented a tragic outcome.

The details

The man fell into the river around 11:30 a.m. as the Wendella boat was about to dock. The boat's captain initially wasn't sure if the splash was a person, but passengers quickly alerted the crew. Deck hands pulled the unresponsive man from the water, and passengers performed CPR until he regained consciousness before paramedics arrived. The man was taken to the hospital and reported to be in good condition.

  • The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Joe Ratzek

The captain of the Wendella boat that rescued the man.

Wendella

A company that operates architecture boat tours on the Chicago River.

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What they’re saying

“We saw a big splash in front of us, but we weren't sure. Sometimes we get people throwing books over the bridges, bags, coke cans and stuff, so we weren't really sure right away. I was talking to my training captain and I'm like 'Was that a body?' He goes, 'It looks like a bag but it might be a body.' As soon as I opened up the door, people said someone jumped.”

— Joe Ratzek, Boat Captain (WGN)

“He wasn't breathing, he was face down. We did have a nurse on board.”

— Unidentified Crew Member (NBC 5 Chicago)

What’s next

The man's condition will continue to be monitored at the hospital.

The takeaway

This incident demonstrates the importance of community vigilance and quick action in emergency situations. The boat crew and passengers' lifesaving efforts likely prevented a tragic outcome and highlight the value of having trained personnel and emergency equipment on board during tours and other public events near bodies of water.