Stranded kayaker ‘who took social distancing to the next level’ is rescued by NYPD after he spelled out HELP with sticks on a remote island (2 Pics)

A kayaker spelled out 'HELP' in the sand using sticks and had to be airlifted to safety after taking 'social distancing to the next level,' NYPD said.

New dramatic footage shows an unidentified man waving for assistance after he became stranded on a remote island in Jamaica Bay, in Queens, on April 17.

The castaway became stuck for more than 12 hours after his kayak 'took on water and went under,' according to NBC News. 

NYPD's Special Operations Bureau tweeted Friday: 'A kayaker takes social distancing to the next level.' 

In the footage released by NYPD's Special Operations Bureau, the man can be seen looking like a small black silhouette waving from the ground.

As the aviation team circle his position the word 'HELP' can be seen written in the shore.

Police said the kayaker used sticks to create the message in the sand.

Hoping to be found, the man begins to jog along the shoreline pursuing the helicopter, trying to catch the attention of the crew.

He continues waving, and as the camera zooms in and focuses on him he can be seen wearing a hooded coat, gloves and shorts.

The man, who had been missing for 12 hours, also started a fire to create a signal, according to NYPD's Special Operations Bureau.

When the helicopter has landed on the remote island in Jamaica Bay, the man can be seen jogging up to the aircraft and raising his fists to his chest as if celebrating his rescue. 

The helicopter lands on the shoreline of the remote island to rescue to lonely kayaker 

NYPD Special Ops

✔@NYPDSpecialops

A kayaker takes social distancing to the next level. #NYPD Aviation found the uninjured male stranded on a remote island in Jamaica Bay, Queens. Missing for over 12 hours the male signaled for help by starting a fire & spelling out help using nearby sticks before being found.

714

6:49 PM - Apr 17, 2020 · NYPD Special Operations Division

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'A kayaker takes social distancing to the next level. #NYPD Aviation found the uninjured male stranded on a remote island in Jamaica Bay, Queens,' NYPD Special Operations tweeted. 

'Missing for over 12 hours the male signaled for help by starting a fire & spelling out help using nearby sticks before being found.'

Many took to Twitter after the incident praising the swift work of the NYPD.

'Great Job Done by the NYPD!' wrote one Twitter user.

'Wow! Insane! Like something out of a movie. Great job!' wrote another. 

'Thanks god for our search teams. We love you guys,' wrote yet another. 

While another tweeted: 'So glad he was found, am sure his family is so relief and grateful.' 

Another person wrote: 'Is that @tomhanks?'