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NEW YORK — A French tourist who rescued a toddler who fell into New York's East River says he didn't think twice about diving in to save the girl.
Two-year-old Bridget Sheridan fell off a gangplank at the South Street Seaport museum Saturday. Her father, David Anderson, says she slipped through guardrails when he averted his eyes to adjust his camera. Video: Father recounts toddler’s river rescue
Julien Duret, of Lyon, France, jumped into the water. Anderson followed closely behind. Duret scooped up the girl and gave her to her father.
"The emotion took over," Duret told the Daily News Tuesday from his hometown of Lyon, France. "I didn't think at all. It happened very fast. I reacted very fast. ... I've never done anything like that before."
The New York Daily News says the 29-year-old tourist got in a cab after the rescue. Duret says he doesn't think he's a hero and that anyone would do the same thing.
"I was just happy that I was able to help her, and I am just happy that the family has been reunited," he told the Daily News.
Anderson says his daughter was unhurt. He says he feels guilty about momentarily taking his eyes off her.
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