Fisherman rescued, jumps back in water

QUEENS (WABC) -- A Manhattan man had to be pulled from the water in Queens twice after he jumped back in following the first rescue.

Authorities say the Coast Guard saved 45-year-old David Cherner after his boat capsized near Breezy Point at Rockaway beach around 7 a.m. Friday.

He was initially rescued by a Good Samaritan, officials said, but he jumped back into the water to retrieve personal items from the boat.

"The man was fishing near an area that has some pretty bad shoals," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Tom Leggett, Station Sandy Hook's officer of the day. "He drifted into the surf line and was flipped by a six-foot wave. He managed to get out from under the boat and stood on the hull where a Good Samaritan picked him up."

"He wasn't wearing a lifejacket, and this could have easily taken a turn for the worse," Leggett said. "Lifejackets should be readily accessible for situations like this because they greatly improve your chances of survival."

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WEB PRODUCED BY: Bill King

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