It was a small miracle that the emergency took place when and where it did and that the mother was able to spot the officers.

Video footage of the rescue shows the boat jolting, tossed on the rough sea as the sun sank, making the work even more difficult.

'Once I saw the vehicle, I just decided to stop the chase right there,' North Carolina State Trooper Cody Thao said.

With low fuel, a moving target, dangerous winds and unruly water, the likelihood that they would rescue the fisherman was extremely slim.

For two hours the dispatcher stayed on the line with the caller, and for two hours rescue crews searched in vain.

A passer-by quickly alerted neighbors, directed someone to call 911, and attempted to fight the blaze with a garden hose.

Elenus stopped by the sheriff's office to thank her heroes in person - and her heroes were waiting with gifts and clothing for the kids.

A former Marine has been killed after he went to Ukraine to fight in its war against Russia. He is the first American killed in the conflict.

The driver was taken to the hospital but only sustained minor injuries, and thankfully, no other humans or animals were injured.

David has rods in his back, and his spine now sports 30 staples. But he's alive, and his positive prognosis is thanks to a complete stranger.