NYPD Aviation Unit Rescues Man Having Seizures on Ship

Dramatic video shows helicopter landing on vessel in Ambrose Channel to evacuate patient to hospital

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:28pm

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The NYPD's Aviation Unit conducted a daring rescue this week, landing their helicopter on a ship in the Ambrose Channel to evacuate a 43-year-old man who was suffering from seizures. The video shows the helicopter touching down on the bow of the Deep Cygnus vessel before the man was carried on a stretcher and transported to Nassau University Medical Center, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

Why it matters

The NYPD Aviation Unit plays a critical role in maritime rescue operations, serving as the primary air and sea rescue provider for the New York City area. This incident highlights the unit's specialized capabilities and willingness to undertake high-risk maneuvers to save lives, even in challenging offshore environments.

The details

According to the NYPD, the Coast Guard requested assistance from the department's Aviation Unit after the 43-year-old man suffered a medical episode on the Deep Cygnus, a Norwegian-flagged subsea construction vessel operating in the Ambrose Channel. The video shows the helicopter landing on the ship's bow before the victim was carefully loaded into the aircraft and transported to the hospital.

  • The incident occurred just before 5 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2026.

The players

NYPD Aviation Unit

The NYPD's specialized air rescue division, equipped with helicopters capable of water rescues, medical evacuations, and hoists within a 60-mile radius of New York City.

Deep Cygnus

A 123-meter Norwegian-flagged Subsea construction, inspection, maintenance, and repair vessel operated by Reach Subsea, specializing in offshore wind and oil/gas projects.

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The takeaway

This dramatic rescue operation highlights the critical role played by the NYPD Aviation Unit in safeguarding the lives of those in distress, even in remote and challenging maritime environments. The unit's specialized training and equipment allow them to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies at sea, underscoring the importance of maintaining a robust air rescue capability to protect the city's residents and visitors.