Emergency services were called into action after a woman entered the flooded River Ouse in the centre of York early today (Saturday).
Five fire crews and the York Rescue Boat went to King’s Staith after being alerted at 2.03am.
The incident was captured on camera by resident Michael Neal.
His footage shows a figure entering the water via Cumberland Street and her friends screaming for her to get out.
She then manages to wade upstream and find purchase on the steps of Lil’s Bistro & Bar.
The video above shows the moment when firefighters reach her through the door of Lil’s and pull her to safety. Their torches can be seen flashing out through the doors of the properties on the left of the images.
Michael Neal, who witnessed the whole incident and took the video, said he was hugely relieved she escaped the cold, fast flowing floodwaters, adding that if she had gone the other way it might have been a very different story.
A North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “York, Acomb, Selby rescue boat, Malton and Ripon swift water crews, along with the York Rescue Boat were mobilised to assist ambulance and police with a female believed to be in the river.
“Crews located the female and she was out the river and sitting on some steps.
“She had previously entered the water and then walked out to the steps.
“Acomb and York crews assisted the female to the ambulance where she was treated by paramedics.
“The boat and water rescue appliances were not required.”
