This is the dramatic moment New York firefighters used a drone to rescue a man who was struggling in the East River.

The emergency crews from Marine 6 were alerted to the distressed individual on the morning of October 25 near the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge.

The New York Fire Department (FDNY) Robotics team deployed an unmanned aerial vehicle to locate the victim and dropped two yellow buoys to mark the area.

Battalion Chief Michael Dowling said: 'The FDNY Robotics team did an outstanding job. By dropping those buoys near the victim, they gave us a clear visual marker that helped Marine 6 reach the individual much faster.

'You could see the buoys well before spotting the person's head above water, especially given the darker conditions. Their quick actions, along with the coordinated efforts of the Marine Battalion, made this rescue possible.'

Footage shows a rescuer diving into the water to guide the man before they were both brought onto the vessel.

The rescued individual was then transported to the 92nd Street Ferry Terminal, where FDNY EMS provided further medical care.

No further details about the man's condition or how he ended up in the water have been disclosed.