He saved a drowning stranger by giving away his life jacket, then was swept away in Kerala floods
A 36-year-old swimming and rappelling instructor from Thiruvananthapuram lost his life while rescuing a farmer stranded in Kerala's flood-hit Kannur district after handing over his
A 36-year-old swimming and rappelling instructor from Thiruvananthapuram lost his life while rescuing a farmer stranded in Kerala's flood-hit Kannur district after handing over his own life jacket to the man. R Rajesh, an experienced rescue volunteer, gave his life jacket to 61-year-old Benny during a rescue operation near Meenthully Island in Kannur on Sunday. After ensuring the farmer's safety, Rajesh was swept away by the powerful current. His body was recovered on Tuesday following an extensive three-day search. Rescue mission turned tragic Rajesh, a native of Kalliyoor, was working as a rappelling instructor at Meenthully Waterfalls and had joined local volunteers responding to flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall on August 1. Benny had gone to inspect his coffee plantation after learning about a landslide upstream when sudden torrential rain caused the Kariangode River to swell rapidly, leaving him stranded on an islet.
On hearing about the trapped farmer, Rajesh and fellow rescuers Shibin and Jithin swam across the flooded river to reach him, Malayalam daily Mathrubhumi reported. While escorting Benny back to safety, Rajesh noticed the elderly farmer struggling in the water. He removed his own life jacket and fastened it on Benny. As the rescuers held on to a safety rope while returning, Rajesh reportedly lost his grip close to the riverbank and was carried away by the strong current. Veteran of previous disaster relief efforts Rajesh was no stranger to disaster response. He had participated in rescue operations during the devastating Kerala floods of 2018 and the Wayanad landslides in 2024. Also Read | Kerala school holiday: 10 districts announce closure on 5 August Known as an accomplished swimmer, he was also a member of the Adventure Disaster Society, where he trained volunteers in rope rescue techniques and water safety.
Leaders pay tribute Tributes poured in from across Kerala after news of Rajesh's death. Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan described the incident as heartbreaking and praised Rajesh's commitment to public service. "Rajesh gave away his own life jacket to save a drowning person in Kannur's Pulingome before succumbing to the floodwaters. His ultimate sacrifice and selfless love for humanity will forever be remembered," the Chief Minister posted on X. BJP state president and Nemom MLA Rajeev Chandrasekhar hailed Rajesh as a volunteer who repeatedly stepped forward during some of Kerala's biggest disasters. "R Rajesh of Kalliyoor, Thiruvananthapuram, was a rescue volunteer and rappelling instructor who answered the call of duty whenever Keralam needed him. He stepped forward during the 2018 floods. He was among the rescuers during the Wayanad landslide tragedy in 2024. And in 2026, he made the ultimate sacrifice," Chandrasekhar wrote.
The BriefWire