The dog, named Harper, had been on her usual walk with her dog walker when an unfortunate accident occurred. A cab driver ran a stop sign and struck both the dog walker and Harper. Although they sustained only minor injuries, the dog walker dropped Harper’s leash in the chaos.

In her fear, Harper bolted from the scene and ran until she reached the East River, where she jumped into the cold water, unable to get back to safety. The park was busy with visitors on the warm day, and many quickly noticed Harper struggling to stay afloat in the freezing river. Concerned, someone called the police, but there was worry that they wouldn’t arrive in time to save the dog, as Harper was visibly weakening.

At that moment, Gabe decided to take action. Trained in water survival skills from his time at SUNY Maritime College, he knew he had the ability to help. He immediately rushed to the park’s pier, carefully climbed over the side, and jumped into the cold water.

“There was a grand cheer when I entered the water,” Castellanos later recalled. “But once I was in the water, I focused solely on my breathing and on swimming toward Harper. Everything around me went silent. I only heard the water as I swam.”

Gabe reached Harper, who, frightened and disoriented, bit his hand and face. Understanding her fear, Gabe spoke gently to her, reassuring her as he guided her back to the shore.

When they finally reached land, hundreds of onlookers cheered loudly. By then, the police and an ambulance had arrived on the scene. Someone also reached out to Harper’s owner, Erin O’Donnell, who was performing with the Brooklyn Irish Dance Company in Manhattan. She was shocked to hear about the incident but was incredibly grateful for Gabe’s quick thinking and bravery.

“Thank you, Gabe, and I hope you’re feeling better,” Erin said after learning of the rescue.

Although Harper suffered some injuries to her paws, she was otherwise unharmed. Erin shared that Harper was recuperating at home, and while her paws needed some attention, the dog was in good spirits.

“Her paws are in rough shape, so she’ll need some trendy boots for a few weeks, but otherwise, she’s doing great,” Erin said. “It’s heartwarming to see all the positive messages from people at the Brooklyn Barge and on social media, expressing their sympathy for Harper and praising Gabe for saving the day.”

Gabe’s quick response to the emergency helped ensure Harper’s safety, and both he and the dog are now recovering well.