Mangaluru: In a courageous act that has drawn widespread appreciation, a 16-year-old boy rescued a 10-year-old relative from drowning at Someshwar Beach on Friday evening.
The rescued child, identified as Muhammad Arshman, a resident of Meginapete in Vittal, had visited the beach with his parents when the incident occurred. While playing near the shoreline, he was suddenly swept away by a strong wave, triggering panic among family members.
Teen risks life to save child
Reacting swiftly to the emergency, Muhammad Ismail Faiz (16), son of Ashraf from Mudipu, jumped into the sea without hesitation. Demonstrating remarkable courage and presence of mind, Faiz battled the rough waves for nearly 10 minutes to keep the child afloat and bring him back safely.
Local swimmers present at the beach also rushed to assist during the final moments of the rescue, helping ensure that both boys reached the shore safely.
“I know how to swim, and that gave me the confidence to jump in. I struggled for about 10 minutes to keep him afloat and bring him back,” Faiz later told reporters.
Rescuer collapses after effort
The intense effort took a toll on the teenager, who collapsed from exhaustion shortly after completing the rescue. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Mangaluru by family members.
Doctors confirmed that he is currently recovering and out of danger. Meanwhile, Arshman escaped the incident without any injuries, much to the relief of his family.
A student with achievements
Faiz is a student at an English medium school in Mudipu and has recently cleared his SSLC examinations with an impressive score of 509 marks. Apart from academics, he is also active in sports and is a state-level karate practitioner, having secured second place in a recent competition.
His physical training and swimming ability are believed to have played a key role in enabling the successful rescue.
Families recount tense moments
Both families had visited the beach together for a casual outing when the situation turned critical. Eyewitnesses described tense moments as the child was swept away, followed by relief when Faiz managed to bring him back to safety.
The incident has also highlighted the unpredictable nature of sea currents at popular beaches, especially during changing weather conditions.
Conclusion
The heroic act by Muhammad Ismail Faiz stands as a powerful example of bravery and selflessness. His quick thinking and willingness to risk his own life saved a young child from a potentially tragic fate. As he recovers, the community continues to hail him as a true hero, while the incident serves as a reminder for visitors to exercise caution near the sea.