He saved a drowning stranger by giving away his life jacket, then was swept away in Kerala floods

Rescue Volunteer Sacrifices Life After Giving Away His Life Jacket in Kerala Floods

Theindiapostdaily.com – R Rajesh, a 36-year-old swimming and rappelling instructor from Thiruvananthapuram, died while saving a farmer caught in Kerala’s devastating floods. The tragic incident occurred in the Kannur district when Rajesh handed over his life jacket to a drowning stranger before being swept away by powerful currents.

The Rescue That Cost Everything

On Sunday, during rescue operations near Meenthully Island, Rajesh encountered 61-year-old Benny, who had become stranded on an islet. The farmer had ventured out to check his coffee plantation after hearing reports of an upstream landslide when sudden heavy rains caused the Kariangode River to rise dramatically.

According to Malayalam daily Mathrubhumi, Rajesh joined fellow volunteers Shibin and Jithin as they swam across the flooded waters to reach the trapped man. While escorting Benny back toward safety, Rajesh noticed the elderly farmer struggling against the strong current. Without hesitation, he removed his own life jacket and secured it around Benny’s body.

As the rescue team held onto a safety rope while making their way back, Rajesh reportedly lost his grip near the riverbank and was carried away by the relentless flow. His body was eventually recovered on Tuesday following an extensive three-day search operation.

A Seasoned Rescuer’s Final Act

A native of Kalliyoor, Rajesh worked as a rappelling instructor at Meenthully Waterfalls and had recently joined local volunteers responding to flash floods that began on August 1. He was no newcomer to disaster relief work.

Rajesh had previously participated in rescue efforts during the catastrophic Kerala floods of 2018 and the Wayanad landslides in 2024. Recognized as an accomplished swimmer, he also served as a member of the Adventure Disaster Society, where he trained volunteers in rope rescue techniques and water safety protocols.

Leaders Honor a Hero

Tributes flowed from across Kerala following news of Rajesh’s death. Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan described the incident as heartbreaking and praised Rajesh’s dedication 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 also honored the volunteer’s memory.

“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.

Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan similarly expressed his condolences, according to PTI.

Kerala Battles Ongoing Monsoon Devastation

Rajesh’s passing comes during widespread destruction caused by relentless monsoon rains that have battered Kerala since August 1. Official figures indicate at least 20 people have perished in rain-related incidents across the state, with four others still missing.

More than 12,000 residents have been relocated to over 300 relief camps, with Pathanamthitta and Kottayam recording the highest displacement numbers. Preliminary estimates released on Tuesday revealed that nearly 165 hectares of farmland have been damaged, impacting over 3,500 farmers.

The India Meteorological Department has issued red alerts for several districts, including Kannur, Wayanad, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki. Cherupuzha in Kannur, where Rajesh lost his life, was among the hardest-hit areas after receiving more than 300 mm of rainfall in a short span, triggering flash floods and landslides that destroyed roads, bridges, and agricultural land.