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Back to National News listHero saves driver
A man has been hailed a hero after diving into the sea to rescue a driver trapped inside his sinking car.
Rabea Al-Bobo, 33, who is Lebanese, did not hesitate when he saw the Indian motorist was in trouble. He dived into the water and swam out to the car, which had plunged into the sea off Abu Dhabi after the driver lost control of the wheel.
“Al-Bobo was at the port in Abu Dhabi about 7.35pm when he saw the motorist was drowning inside the car,” said a police officer.
“He dived in, pulled him out the sea and saved his life. “He is a real hero.”
The emergency services were alerted to the incident and rushed to the scene, where medical staff gave the Indian man first aid.
Al-Bobo said that he didn’t hesitate for a second before diving in to save the life of a complete stranger.
“I dived in after him and the police patrols quickly reached the scene and helped both of us,” he said. He added he was surprised that no other bystanders did the same. “Many people were gathered in the area and most of them did nothing,” he said.
“They were just taking pictures of the car while it was sinking. They didn’t even make room for the rescue team and the police patrols when they arrived to help us.”
Brigadier Othman Yousif, the head of the Public Safety and Emergency Department at Abu Dhabi Police, urged residents to follow the brave example of Al-Bobo.
“People should help us and save the lives of others if they see that they can help without putting their own life at risk,” he said. “People also shouldn’t loiter at the scene of an accident and must give us space to do our job.”
ali.shouk@7days.ae
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COMMENTS
Human nature can be so cruel however its instinct is in most cases to save life. A lesson taught to us all again today by Rabea! Well done! Big heart!
Posted by: MonkeyAllen [10.Jun.09 2 : 12 PM]He was a brave man to dare but it is the laws out here that stop people from involving in helping others because your heroic deed can back fire on you.
Posted by: A. A. Ali [10.Jun.09 1 : 34 PM]well done al-bobo ur the hero i realy appreciate what u did and i wish every one will have same heart brave that u have once again well done
Posted by: zahra [10.Jun.09 12 : 06 PM]Good on you Al Bobo. Although What would happen if he hadnt got the man in time and pulled him out dead? would he then be facing blood money payment? thats probably why there was bystanders i would imagine.
Posted by: Palooza [10.Jun.09 11 : 49 AM]Its the typical herd mentality, Ancient X. Rubbernecking and crowding the site of an accident is all too common in many cities around the world. However, now I have a question: The head of Public Safety is saying we should help if it doesn't put our life at risk. What about the laws that stop us from helping in case we do anything wrong to the victim? I thought was a no-no?
Posted by: anthonypermal [10.Jun.09 11 : 42 AM]Great bravery!!!! It's good to see that such people still exist. It makes you feel safe. On aside note: how did the motorist manage to drown the car in the SEA!!!!!
Posted by: Always Annoyed [10.Jun.09 11 : 08 AM]Well done to the hero..shame on the bystanders watching the car sinking & taking photos..that was funny & unbelieveable to have read..did they not know how to swim? or was it a typical gathering watching the unusual?
Posted by: Ancient x [10.Jun.09 8 : 50 AM]KEEP YOURSELF UPDATED
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