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Heroic teens rescue 93-year-old who fell from ferry
A group of heroic teenagers saved the life of a 93-year-old man who fell from a Manly ferry, and are set to be formally thanked by Manly Council for their courageous act.
The incident occurred around 12:30pm last Sunday, when the four teenagers noticed the man floating face down in the water about 10 metres from the ferry. While the four teenagers, aged 15 to 17, admitted the experience was terrifying, they didn’t hesitate to act.
William Zuber, a 16-year-old who goes to St Paul’s Catholic College in Manly, was first to dive in and described the incident to the Manly Daily: “I thought I heard a slap and a lot of commotion. I took my shirt and shoes off and dived straight off. It was the fastest I’d ever swum. I wish people had jumped in before – by the time we go there it had been ages. It was terrifying.”
Image credit: Bam Srisombun
Greg Hiotis, a 17-year-old from Balgowlah Boys, followed his friend in: “I flipped him over. He was frothing at the mouth I think. I tried to pump his heart and William gave him mouth to mouth.”
Kieran Thor from Davidson High and Mitchell Lockie from Balgowlah Boys followed their friends in, and were eventually assisted by a manager from the nearby Hugos restaurant Adam Polly, a diner named Chris and a local worker Brendan Riley who all lauded the boy’s bravery.
Manly Mayor Jean Hay said talks on how to reward the boys were taking place: “We are looking at putting on a reception to thank them and I will be recommending them for a bravery award.”
The 93-year-old man remains in hospital, but surely owes his life to these brave boys.
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