2 Rescued After Blow-Up Swan Drifts Into Middle Of East River

MANHATTAN, NY — Two people were rescued after being pulled into the middle of the East River on a massive, inflatable swan and caught in "heavy marine traffic" on the busy waterway, an FDNY spokesman said.

The fire department's marine unit pulled the two drifters aboard on Sunday afternoon when their inflatable swan was "overcome by a fast moving current," according to a post on the FDNY's Instagram page. The blow-up float was rescued in the vicinity of East 55th Street, fire officials said.

Both people were unhurt, fire officials said.

"FDNY urges New Yorkers to always take precautions when swimming or entering the water surrounding our city. Only enter the water where swimming is permitted and where lifeguards are on duty," the department urged on social media.