Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Aug 16: In a dramatic rescue operation, social worker and sea rescuer Eshwar Malpe entered the Arabian Sea and safely brought ashore a 38-year-old man who had been swimming offshore for nearly three hours on Sunday.

The rescued man was identified as Yathish (38), a resident of Kaadipatta and a former lifeguard at Padubidri Blue Flag Beach.

According to locals, Yathish had attempted similar acts once or twice in the past, when residents intervened and brought him safely back to shore.

On Sunday afternoon, Yathish entered the Arabian Sea as coastal residents watched. Fishermen who arrived by boat from Kaup made repeated attempts for more than half an hour to pull him into the boat, but were unsuccessful.

After being alerted to the situation, Sadashiva of Padubidri contacted Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, who immediately reached out to Eshwar Malpe and requested him to undertake the rescue.

Eshwar arrived at Padubidri beach at around 2.15 pm and entered the sea. He swam approximately three nautical miles towards Yathish and persuaded him to return through a calm and reassuring conversation.

Eshwar then swam back alongside Yathish, bringing him safely ashore at around 3.15 pm. Local swimmers and Blue Flag Beach lifeguards Prajwal, Sushanth and Badal assisted in the rescue operation.

Following the rescue, Ashok Salyan, president of the Kadipatt Mogaveera Sabha, thanked Eshwar Malpe on behalf of the village.

Coastal Security Police and Home Guards also visited the spot. Locals expressed concern over the absence of a speedboat for emergency rescue operations with the Coastal Security Police.

Yathish was subsequently shifted to Dr A V Baliga Hospital in Udupi for further treatment.