Man nearly drowns while setting crab traps in North Miami Beach

Victim saved by 2 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue divers

NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. ā€“ A man nearly drowned Wednesday while setting crab traps in the waters off North Miami Beach, authorities said.

According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the man, identified as Alfredo Ramon, got caught in the current in the area of Northeast 163rd Street and Biscayne Boulevard, but was rescued by two divers from the fire department.

Ramon told Local 10 News that he was under the bridge when he got caught up in his rope. He said he was hanging on to a pillar, but was unable to get out.

Two firefighters jumped into the murky lake to rescue Ramon.

"He did appear to be in distress, hanging onto the pillar. He instructed he could not get off the pillar because of the rope that was tied around his ankle," firefighter Charles Brodbuck said.

"I felt like I was done," Ramon said.

According to Ramon, he was in the water for about 15 minutes before help arrived.

"They are heroes," he said.

Authorities said another fisherman saw Ramon and flagged down a passing police officer. Ramon said he can't thank the firefighters enough for rescuing him.

"I offer to buy their supper today, their dinner, whatever," Ramon said. "They refuse it. They are so good that they refuse it."

"This is what we got in for -- to do our job and help people that need us," firefighter Arnold Segui said.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.