At night, an off duty police officer faced a sudden crisis along the coast near Finestrat Bay. While enjoying a walk during his vacation, the officer heard a distressing sound carried by the wind and mist, cutting through the darkness and the spray from the high tide. The sea was heavy, the visibility poor, and the water swelled with power, pushing currents toward the rocky shoreline. In those moments, the officer became aware that a drowning situation was unfolding just a short distance from the beach, a challenge intensified by the rugged rocks and the inability of the victim to return to the safety of the mainland due to the prevailing sea state.
The officer, identified in reports as FRG, was not in uniform and had no advance notice of danger when the incident began. He was the coordinator of the local police group, enjoying a quiet evening away from the city traffic and routine patrols. Hearing a call for help, he moved toward the source of the noise, his senses sharpened by recent training and calm under pressure. The scene unfolded about 80 meters from the shore, where the sea spray whipped through the air, and the outline of the rocks offered a treacherous path for anyone attempting a rescue. The man in distress had slipped on the slick surface of the rocks, finding himself trapped as waves slapped his body and forced him to fight for breath.
With little time to hesitate, the off duty officer plunged into the cold, dark water. He swam against the tide, navigating the rough currents and the chilling bite of the late night sea. The mission was urgent: reach the elderly swimmer, secure him from the danger of the breaking waves, and bring him to a safer location where medical help could be administered. The officer acted with decisive speed, relying on a combination of training, strength, and a calm, steady approach that kept panic at bay for both the rescuer and the rescued.
Once the officer closed the distance to the victim, he established a secure hold, guiding the man away from the jagged rocks and toward the relative shelter of the deeper water near the shoreline. The swimmer, who was visibly distressed and coughing, appeared to have inhaled a significant amount of seawater. The officer kept the swimmer on his side so the airway remained clear, a priority that helped to prevent further aspiration and ensured the man could continue to receive air while awaiting professional care. The effort required the officer to stay composed and focused, keeping the victim from panicking even as the cold threatened to sap strength.
Rescue teams arrived soon after to take over stabilizing the situation. Paramedics assessed the elderly man, who showed signs of choking and dehydration from the immersion. The rapid response and the initial aid delivered by the off duty officer bought crucial minutes, allowing emergency personnel to provide advanced life support and transport to safety. The immediate actions by the rescuer are credited with preventing a potential tragedy and demonstrating the importance of quick, calm intervention during maritime emergencies.
The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly natural conditions can shift from calm to perilous. It also highlights the value of vigilant, trained individuals who step forward when danger emerges, even while on personal time. Local authorities acknowledged the officer for his bravery and composure, noting that his actions reflect the best of public service and the enduring duty to protect lives in challenging environments. The community has expressed gratitude for the officer’s readiness to act when every second counted, turning a moment of fear into a safer outcome for a neighbor in need.