Brave Frenchman Found Half-way Around the World
(NEW YORK) A French tourist highly praised for rescuing a two-year-old girl in Manhattan said he didn't
think twice before diving into the freezing East River.
Tuesday's Daily News said 29-year who left the spot quickly after the rescue last Saturday.
He lifted the little girl out of the water after she fell off the bank at the South Street Seaport museum. He
handed the girl to her father, David Anderson, who had dive in after him.
"I didn't think at all," Duret told the Daily News. "It happened very fast. I reacted very fast."
Duret, an engineer on vacation,was walking with his girlfriend along the pier (码头) when he saw something
falling into the water.He thought it was a doll, but realized it was a child when he approached the river. In an
instant,he took off his coat and jumped into the water.
When he reached the girl, she appeared lifeless, he said. Fortunately, when she was out of the water, she
opened her eyes.
Anderson said his daughter slipped off the bank when he was adjusting his camera. An ambulance came
later for her, said Duret, who was handed dry clothes from cookers. Duret caught a train with his girlfriend
shortly after.
The rescue happened on the day before he left for France. Duret said he didn't realize his tale of heroism
he was leaving the next morning. "I don't really think I'm a hero," said Duret. "Anyone would do the same ting."