Finnish man injured due to reckless boating
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
CALANGUTE, NOV 22
Reckless water sport activities have come to the fore yet again as a 43-year-old Finnish national was injured after being hit by a dolphin trip boat at Baga beach on Sunday evening.
The incident occurred at about 2.55 pm when Paul Andrews was swimming on the right edge of the red and yellow flag at Baga.
The particular area is a favourite spot among swimmers and water sports operators and is a complete chaos zone.
The water sports boats have been closely operating in the safe swim zone despite repeated requests by the lifeguards to be away.
Andrews, who was at about 20 mtrs from the shore, was accidentally hit by the dolphin trip boat (GOA-044-WS).
According to Drishti reports, lifeguards Viraj Valekar, Ajit Gawas and Gautam Kalangutkar observed that boat was coming onto the beach through the swim zone to drop onboard tourists close to the Finnish national when it misjudged and hit him.
The lifeguards observed that the tourist was bleeding and rushed to administer first aid.
Upon accessing the injuries, it was found that he had a deep cut above the forehead, another cut on the right palm while some bruises on the left arm. The cuts on the head and the right palm were too deep and hence medical attention was sought.
An 108 ambulance service was requisitioned and Andrews was rushed to a nearby hospital.
