A dog nicknamed Aquaman is lucky to be alive after being rescued by a good Samaritan and officials from the New York Fire Department when it was reportedly thrown off a bridge and into the Harlem River.
The distressing incident occurred on Tuesday when Marine 4 from the New York Fire Department responded to a report of a dog that was in distress in the Harlem River after somebody reportedly threw the dog off of a bridge, the FDNY said in a post on social media.
When Marine 4 arrived, Lt. Salvatore Sodano discovered a civilian in the water with the flailing animal trying to keep it afloat and rescue it from drowning, reported New York ABC station WABC.
It is currently unclear who threw the dog into the river or why they may have done it but authorities were able to rescue the dog thanks to their quick response time as well as help from the good Samaritan.
MORE: Woman held on $1 million bail after dressing as nurse to steal baby from hospital"Members from Marine 4 were able to bring the dog on board the vessel and take him to shore, where he could receive the necessary care," the FDNY said in their statement.
The NYPD’s Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad, along with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is now investigating how the dog ended up in the river.
Authorities did not disclose any further information on the age, condition or breed of the animal but the post on social media has received more than 8,500 likes in less than 24 hours.
"Without the quick response from both the civilian and FDNY members, the outcome for this animal could have been very different," the FDNY said.
New York City's Animal Care Centers is caring for the dog and some of the hero firefighters are eager to adopt the pooch.