Florida sergeant pulls 72-year-old man from marina after hour in water
A Volusia County sheriff’s sergeant rescued 72-year-old Bill Von Herbulis after his electric wheelchair tipped off a marina dock in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The rescue came after he had spent more than an hour in the water, clinging to a pipe and calling for help.
Von Herbulis fell in on 27 September while leaving a fishing trip and was heard by a passing fisherman, who called 911. Sergeant William Leven removed his gun belt, entered the water with a rescue buoy and, with help from bystanders, brought him up nearby steps to the dock. Von Herbulis declined medical attention, and Leven is due to receive a Lifesaving Award.
- A deputy rescued a 72-year-old man who fell from his wheelchair into a marina.
- He clung to a pipe for more than an hour before a fisherman called 911.
- The deputy is due to receive a Lifesaving Award.
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Bill Von Herbulis, a 72-year-old man, fell into the marina water at New Smyrna Beach, Florida when his electric wheelchair tipped off the dock. Unable to get out, he clung to a nearby pipe and called for help.
A passing fisherman heard Von Herbulis's calls and contacted emergency services. Sergeant William Leven from the Volusia County sheriff's office responded and entered the water with a rescue buoy, bringing him to safety with help from bystanders.
The rescue took place on 27 September, and Von Herbulis had been in the water for more than an hour before being brought to safety. At 72 years old and clinging to a pipe without assistance, he was in a vulnerable position during that time.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Dramatic moment brave Florida deputy dives into shark-infested waters to save wheelchair-bound grandfather, 72”.