MANCHESTER, N.H. — New Hampshire firefighters have rescued a man who was stranded in the Merrimack River.

Fire officials tell WMUR-TV a homeless man was walking down to bathe in a spot just north of Hands Across the Merrimack Bridge when he tripped on a root and fell 12 feet into shallow water.

Firefighters said a female companion helped pull his head above water, but he was entangled in weeds.

Rescuers launched boats from the boat ramp behind Fisher Cats Stadium to quickly reach the man.

Firefighters said the man was conscious but had no feeling from his neck down. Rescue boats were used to ferry him across the river and he was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The man’s name was not released.


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