NC fisherman saved by good Samaritan after falling into alligator-infested waters

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — An elderly fisherman fell off a dock at Wilson Bay Park after a guardrail broke. Julian Santiago is being deemed a hero after saving the man from the alligator-infested waters.

The older man was struggling to stay above water and get to safety, but Santiago fortunately saw the man and immediately helped.

“I heard someone screaming, it was a guy like 72 years old,” Santiago said. “There was nothing to do but get him out.”

Santiago was with his son at the time the fisherman fell into the dock.

While tragedy was luckily avoided, Jacksonville officials are using this as a reminder to inspect older equipment in public parks and other areas.

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