Khaleej Times

Family mourns man who drowned saving his son

- Ankita Chaturvedi

dubai — The body of George Joseph, 49, an Indian resident who lost his life while rescuing his teenage son from drowning at Mamzar beach last Friday, will be flown back to his hometown in Kerala at midnight tonight, for burial.

His family will take the same flight to Calicut, and Joseph’s parents will receive the body.

On Friday, a beach outing ended up in tragedy for the Joseph family. After lunch, the pharmacist, his wife Shiny George and children Sohia and Ahil were at the Mamzar beach, when Ahil who was playing in the sea started struggling in the water. His father, who is said to have not known swimming, dived in and rescued his son but ended up drowning.

Joseph’s body was embalmed at Sonapur Medical Fitness Centre, and a prayer meet for him took place in the presence of about 200 people, including relatives, friends and members of the Orthodox Church in Dubai.

The prayer meet room was packed with people, and many were standing outside. Friends and relatives thronged to wait for their chance to get in and offer condolence­s to and console the bereaved family.

“Joseph and I have been friends for five years and we shared a good rapport. It is so unfortunat­e that the family went out to have a good time and it turned out to be the worst for them,” said a friend, asked to remain anonymous.

A member of the Orthodox Church said: “We got to know the tragic news through the newspaper, and decided to come to see our fellow member for the last time. It is sad and disappoint­ing; may his soul rest in peace.”

ankita@khaleejtim­es.com

 ??  ?? George Joseph
George Joseph

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