Panaji, Apr 9 (IANS): Lifeguards in Goa on Thursday rescued a middle-aged Russian from a beach cave near Keri beach, amid the 21-day lockdown imposed in the state in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a statement issued by Drishti Marine, a private lifeguard agency appointed by the state government to man Goa's beaches, the Russian named Valenti (last name not known yet), is believed to have been living in the cave for the last several weeks.

"During a routine patrol by the lifeguard stationed at the Keri beach area, lifeguard Girish Talkar spotted a man in a small narrow cave along the shoreline. He seemed to be in obvious distress as the cave was flooding rapidly due to the high tide. The man also appeared to be physically challenged as he was unable to walk," the statement said.

He was eventually rescued with the help of a spine board and brought out by the lifeguards.

Valenti is currently in shock and is being treated at the Public Health Centre in Mapusa.

Ever since the lockdown nearly 2000 foreigners, including hundreds of Russians, have been repatriated from Goa to their home countries.