This is the dramatic moment firefighters hoist up a man out of the waters of a California river as part of a risky rescue mission.

Firefighters in Boyle Heights rushed to the man’s rescue at 840 S Mission Rd, in the city of Los Angeles on 31st March.

When firefighters in the area spotted a the man under the 6th Street bridge, he was in approximately one foot of water moving at an estimated 5 mph.

Fire crews immediately began moving into position to assess the situation and determine the most effective rescue method.

The rescue operation was deemed a “full river rescue,” indicating that it was a complex and potentially dangerous operation.