Padubidri: Social worker and sea rescuer Eshwar Malpe carried out a dramatic rescue operation on Sunday, swimming nearly three nautical miles into the Arabian Sea to bring a 38-year-old man safely back to shore.
The rescued man was identified as Yathish, a resident of Kaadipatta and a former lifeguard at Padubidri Blue Flag Beach.
Fishermen unable to bring him back
According to locals, Yathish had entered the sea in the afternoon and remained offshore for nearly three hours. Fishermen who arrived by boat from Kaup made repeated attempts for more than 30 minutes to bring him into the boat but were unsuccessful.
Locals said Yathish had attempted similar acts once or twice in the past, when residents had intervened and brought him safely ashore.
After the situation was brought to his attention, Sadashiva of Padubidri contacted Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, who immediately reached out to Eshwar Malpe for assistance.
Eshwar persuades swimmer to return
Eshwar reached 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 also assisted in the rescue.
Following the operation, Ashok Salyan, president of the Kadipatt Mogaveera Sabha, thanked Eshwar on behalf of the village.
Locals raise concern over rescue facilities
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 later shifted to Dr A V Baliga Hospital in Udupi for further treatment.