SOUTH GATE (CBSLA.com)   —   Los Angeles County Fire and Rescue crews saved the life of a man who found himself swept up in strong currents in the L.A. River near South Gate Sunday evening.

The rescue call went out about 10:45 p.m.

It was unclear why the unidentified man was in the river but very often people standing near the edge of the river get caught up in the current, especially following a heavy rain.

Desmond Shaw was overhead in SKY2 when a rescuer was hoisted down to the man by helicopter.

The man was hanging on to a pillar for dear life.

The rescue occurred just under the Imperial Highway about 11:20 p.m.

The man was hoisted out of the water and placed on nearby dry land. His condition wasn't immediately known.