Teen hailed as ‘Black Aquaman’ after swimming to dock worker’s aid

The 16-year-old boy has been dubbed “Black Aquaman” for his swift action after he was filmed jumping into an Alabama river and swimming to help a dock worker during a wild brawl in Alabama.

The teen, identified only as Aaren, was one of several people who rushed to save the black security guard as he was being attacked by a group of people during a WWE-style melee that consumed the Montgomery Riverfront on Saturday.

Makina Lashea, a representative for the boy’s family, touted Aaren’s action and said the family was proud of the superhero nickname bestowed upon him.

“In the face of adversity, Aaren selflessly came to the rescue of a fellow colleague, showcasing courage beyond his years,” Lashea said in a statement.

“The overwhelming love and support pouring in from all corners of the state and surrounding areas have deeply touched Aaeren.”

Saturday’s violence erupted after the guard instructed a group of white individuals not to dock their pontoon boat in the area, kicking the vessel away as they ignored him.

The guard was then rushed by a shirtless man and began trading blows with him before several other men and at least one woman circled him and began pummeling him.

While many were screaming in horror at the sight, several men could be seen running down to the docks, while Aaren jumped into the water, swam across the river, and pulled himself up to join them.

The violence quickly came to an end once a group of officers arrived at the scene, with four warrants issued so far and more likely to come after police finish reviewing footage of the fight, WSFA reported.

With the video of the brawl going viral, many on social media have directly pointed out Aaren’s involvement, praising the teen.

“We are immensely proud of his actions and the values he exemplifies, standing as an inspiration to us all,” Lashea said. “Your messages and gestures of appreciation have not gone unnoticed, and they have left a lasting impact on Aaren and his family.

“We assure you that he will continue being a force for good in the world,” she added.

Aside from Aaren, no one involved in the brawl has been publicly identified save for Chase Shipman, the owner of Vasser’s Mini-Mart in Selma, who claimed to have tried to stop the fighting,  The Selma Times-Journal reported.

Shipman’s claim, however, has been disputed by many, including Selma City Councilwoman Angela Benjamin, who said additional footage of the brawl shows he was involved in the fist fight.

Despite claiming to have gotten away from the brawl, Shipman was filmed as one of several people detained by police at the scene. Shipman could not be immediately reached for comment.

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed condemned the violence as a horrific attack carried out against “a man who was doing his job.”

“Warrants are being signed and justice will be served,” he added. “As our police department investigates these intolerable actions, we should not become desensitized to violence of any kind in our community.”