Grand Island man rescues two people from Niagara River

A Grand Island man rescued two people from the Niagara River on Friday evening.

The U.S. Coast Guard, Erie County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit, and the Air 1 helicopter were dispatched at about 6:30 p.m. after a Jet Ski overturned in the Niagara River near Tonawanda Island.

According to the sheriff's office, a 53-year-old man saw two people in the water and pulled them onto his boat just four minutes after the 911 call was made. Both people were then turned over to the Coast Guard.

"This incident highlights the importance of boaters being alert at all times and ensuring that everyone on a personal watercraft is wearing a flotation device," said the Erie County Sheriff's Office in a statement.