‘Party Pirate’ jet skiers make dramatic rescue of teen who jumped from Brooklyn Bridge

Party Pirates to the rescue.

A rowdy group of jet skiers went from sometimes-villains because of their antics to heroes Wednesday when they rescued a teenager who jumped from the Brooklyn Bridge.

The NYC Pirates plucked the 19-year-old in the critical seconds after he smashed into the East River and handed him off to police — who were able to bring the boy to the hospital in time to save his life.

The NYC Pirates raced into action to save the life of a teen who jumped from the Brooklyn Bridge this week. James Reichelt “Whiteboy” of NYC Pirates

The nail-biting video of the rescue caught the moment the Pirates carefully braved the choppy waters to deliver the injured teen to the rescue boat.

One skier even tossed his riding buddy into the sea to make the hand-off smoother.

“It was like, ‘holy shit, did that just happen?’ It was pretty crazy,” James Reichelt, the president of NYC Pirates, told The Post.

Reichelt, who goes by “Whiteboy,” said he and his friends were simply in the right place at the right time.

The crew — which is behind the annual waterway parties near City Island — had been taking advantage of the unseasonably warm day when they witnessed a commotion near the Brooklyn Bridge.


James Reichelt, known as Whiteboy, and the NYC Pirates jump into action after witnessing a 19-year-old jump from the Brooklyn Bridge on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026.
James Reichelt and his crew were enjoying the warm weather when the teen made the leap. James Reichelt “Whiteboy” of NYC Pirates

They could see a police boat with rescue ropes at the ready racing toward a man standing on top of the bridge — and watched him jump seconds later.

Reichelt immediately sped toward the splash without thinking.

“I know from being on the water for so many years that seconds on the water can be deadly,” said Reichelt.

The 19-year-old was just about a foot under the water when Reichelt arrived and was shockingly still conscious from the 278-foot leap.

“I grabbed him and said, ‘Hold on, buddy, I got you! Don’t worry, I’m here,’” Reichelt recalled.

“The minute I pulled him out of the water, you see the fear in his eyes. He was so scared. And the first thing he said was, ‘I’m sorry,’” he continued.

The teenager was clearly injured, but was able to move and was making noise.

A second pirate jumped on the back of Reichelt’s jet ski to steady the teen and the pair brought him toward the NYPD Harbor Unit boat, which ultimately took the victim to South Street Seaport, where an ambulance rushed him to Bellevue Hospital.

The 19-year-old is in stable condition, police said.

Reichelt shared the scary experience on social media Thursday as a plea to those suffering from suicidal ideation to reach out for help rather than put their lives in danger.

Suicide prevention is a cause close to the NYC Pirates’ hearts — the jet ski crew has hosted an annual fundraiser for mental health awareness groups over the past few summers.

“The way he looked at me, it was so much fear. It was instant regret, I would say, probably for whatever reason he was saying sorry for,” said Reichelt.

While Reichelt would happily accept the title of hero for his actions, he humbly said jumping into action is nothing new for him and his friends.

They rushed into action when a boat caught fire and have plucked exhausted swimmers out of the water on numerous occasions — including during their infamous water disco parties in which jet skiers and boaters inundate the Bronx waterways.

“Seconds in the water can be crucial. I’m just happy to be there at the right time to help somebody out. I’m always willing to help somebody out and spring into action at any time,” said Reichelt.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *