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Tugboat Capsizes Near Liberty Island; 3 People Rescued

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Three people were rescued after a small tugboat rolled over in New York Harbor.

NY Waterway says ferry Captain Mohamed Gouda and his crew rescued the trio following the accident.

The Katherine G. was preparing to transport a 60-ton construction crane off Liberty Island when it capsized.

Gouda says three people, including two of catherine g's crew members...Climbed the jasons cradle to safety on board his ferry.

1010 WINS' Al Jones with Captain Mohamed Gouda

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Gouda said he had just dropped off passengers at Wall Street and was heading back to Jersey City when he spotted the vessel in distress.

NY Waterway says Gouda and his crew used a device known as a "Jason's Cradle" to effect the rescue of the three.

"We used our classic procedures today," Gouda said. "I lowered the cradles as the passengers climbed up. The same procedure we used during Flight 1549."

Gouda had previously been one of the captains involved in rescuing people from Flight 1549 in 2009, the "Miracle On The Hudson."

"Another day, another adventure," Gouda told 1010 WINS' Al Jones following the tugboat rescue.

"We prepare for things like this to happen.  We didn't know it was going to happen today, but it happens," deckhand Marquis Mainor told CBS 2's Hazel Sanchez.

One worker was taken to Jersey City Medical Center for observation and evaluation, but all were expected to be fine.

One person was taken to an area hospital for observation and evaluation. There were no serious injuries.

"I learned a lot today because that could have been me on that boat.  So I know you can't take everything for granted," Mainor said.

In almost 25 years of service, NY Waterway ferry crews have rescued more than 250 people from the waters around New York City.

What do you make of the rescue? Sound off in our comments section below.

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