Team Herald
MARGAO: A local fisherman Francis Fernandes popularly known as Pele rescued an elderly Russian tourist from drowning and the video of his effort has since gone viral on social media.
In the video, Peleis rushing to help a Russian, in his late 60s, struggling to get to the shore at the Benaulim beach. The tourist had ventured into the sea with his woman partner but found himself unable to return to shore.
Responding quickly, Pele used his jet ski to reach the distressed man and successfully pulled him jet ski and brought him safely back to land.
“I noticed the elderly Russian man having difficulty getting back to shore and was able to reach him just in time and bring him back on my jet ski,” said Pele.
The video also shows Fernandes addressing the Russian couple after the rescue. He tells them, “I respect tourists, as you are our bread and butter,” highlighting the importance of visitors to the local economy.
Pele runs an shack and runs a water sports activity at the Benaulim beach and shot to fame in February 2024 with a video of him with former UK Premiere Rishi Sunak’s wife Akshata Murty at the Benaulim beach where he was seen telling Murthy to take care of his fellow Goans in the UK.