Naked Man Causes Chaos on Chicago River, Jumps Between Boats and Into Water
CHICAGO — A bizarre and chaotic scene played out on the Chicago River this week, after a naked man was caught on video hopping between private boats, starting fights, and eventually diving into the river — triggering a major emergency response involving police, firefighters, and even a helicopter.
The video, which has since gone viral on Instagram, shows the man starting a fight on a boat he allegedly wasn’t invited onto. Passengers on the boat can be seen physically removing him, leading to a scuffle before he grabs a float and dives into the river.
Witnesses Say the Man Jumped from Division Bridge
According to social media reports, the man had earlier jumped off the Division Street bridge, then swam up to docked boats, allegedly flashing people and swinging himself around, disturbing boaters and onlookers alike.
As shared in a now-viral Instagram video caption,
“A naked man launched himself off the Division bridge, swam up to private boats, and started flashing and swinging himself around — causing a full-on scene.”
Full Emergency Response Deployed
The situation escalated quickly. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Chicago Fire Department (CFD) responded to the incident, blocking off streets near the river while a helicopter circled overhead, monitoring the man in the water.
Witnesses say the man showed signs of intoxication, though this has not been officially confirmed by authorities. After swimming in the murky water — which locals frequently call one of the dirtiest in the country — he was eventually taken into custody.
As of now, no charges have been publicly announced, and the man’s identity has not been released.
A Viral Moment, But Public Safety Concerns Remain
While the incident drew laughs online, many boaters expressed concern over water safety, especially with summer activity at its peak on the Chicago River. The disturbance also raised questions about mental health and substance use in high-traffic public areas.
The Chicago River, known for its historic role in the city’s growth, is also infamous for water quality issues and strong undercurrents, making the man’s dive a serious risk.
Were you on the Chicago River during this bizarre incident? Share your story or safety tips for river-goers this summer at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.