New Hanover County firefighter tells story on how he saved a man from the Cape Fear River

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — Captain Steve Hunt with New Hanover County Fire Rescue was out for a nice evening in downtown Wilmington but then everything changed.

Hunt along with his girlfriend were taking a quick stroll to the Wilmington Riverwalk when they saw something out of the ordinary.

“We noticed this guy standing right at the rivers edge, but we’re right at the rivers edge. So, it wasn’t out of place, but it did seem a little strange because there was a fence there. It just made me feel like I needed to pay attention to what’s going on next,” said Hunt.

Not long after, Hunt noticed the mans shoe’s drifting down the river and he knew he had to take action.

“He’s thrashing quite a bit, I don’t want to jump in front of him and then just be the island that he’s trying to get on top of. I didn’t want to lose him so I jump in real close to him. He’s going under so I get my hands underneath his ribs, pull him up, get my arms over his chest and ribs and get him close.”

Three people helped Hunt lift the man out of the river. Hunt said rescues like this are is a normal part of his training, but he has some advice for anyone who might find themselves in a similar situation.

“But there’s a life in danger, so not acting wasn’t an option. But if you’re at home thinking ‘man i want to do that,’ just know that it’s as simple as jumping into a pool.”