A man in his 20s was dissuaded from committing suicide by jumping from a bridge over the Han River by Seoul police officers on Saturday, police said Monday.

The Seocho Police Station in Seoul received a report at 8:50 p.m. Saturday from the man’s friend that he appeared to have gone to the Han River alone after being drunk. Police tracked his cellphone and found him standing near the southern end of the Banpo Bridge and asked rescue authorities to install an air mattress under the concrete floors of the river banks just below.

Two police officers, who specialize in speaking to people who are attempting suicide, were then deployed to speak to the man. They soothed him by persuading him to talk about his problems, after which they gently held his hand and moved him to a safe place.

Police said the man thanked officers for coming to his aid, saying he was afraid of being alone. He allegedly told them about his troubles when they went to the police station.

The Seocho Police Station recently appointed crisis negotiation officers specializing in suicide deterrence and conducted a training program for 56 officials in its jurisdiction in September.

If you are considering self-harm or suicide, contact the Department of Health and Social Care helpline on 1393, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please request a translator for English services .