Kannur: A seasoned swimmer and rescue volunteer from Kerala lost his life while saving a stranded man from the swollen Tejasvi River in Kannur. Rajesh, who had already rescued several people as floodwaters rose, gave his own life jacket to a trapped man before being swept away by the strong current.

Rajesh, an adventure sports instructor from Thiruvananthapuram, used ropes to reach the stranded man on a low-lying island. After ensuring the man's safety, he handed over his life jacket, believing his swimming skills would help him survive. However, a sudden surge of water, reportedly triggered by a nearby landslide, swept him away.

Known for his bravery and dedication, Rajesh had participated in numerous rescue operations over the years, including saving 114 people during the devastating 2018 Kerala floods and assisting in the 2024 Wayanad landslide rescue efforts. He also ran an adventure centre and was widely admired for his charitable work.

His body was recovered on Tuesday after floodwaters receded. Rajesh is survived by his wife, Lakshmi, and their children. Family members have appealed for government support, saying he dedicated his life to saving others and now leaves behind a family facing financial hardship.

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