Benaulim fisherman Pele Fernandes with the Russian couple after the rescue of the male tourist.
MARGAO
Benaulim-based fisherman Pele Fernandes rescued a Russian national while he was exhausted and struggling in the sea off Benaulim beach on Tuesday morning.
The video of the rescue operation went viral as it showed how the Russian national was rescued and brought safely on shore.
The Russian couple had ventured in the sea for a swim in the morning when the male struggled in the sea due to the strong undercurrent.
After he heard cries for help from the couple, Pele and his team rushed to the water with their jet ski. The male person literally struggled to get on to the jet ski and had to be assisted by Pele and his team member before he was safely brought on shore.
Pele informed that he and his team members were camping right in front of a starred resort when the incident occurred. “We had seen the Russian couple venturing out in the sea for a swim. There was strong undercurrent and it is apparent that the male person appeared exhaustive and struggled in the water. When we heard the cries for help, I rushed with the jet ski and rescued the Russian national,” he said.
He added: “This is not the first time local fishermen have rushed into the sea in the rescue operation. Though Dhristi life guards are posted on the beach belt, traditional fishermen play their role in rescuing domestic as well as foreign visitors to the beach.”
The Russian couple profusely thanked Pele and his team for the rescue operation.
