Oskar Hernández Sáinz-Vizcaya, a 22-year-old from Mundaka, became a local hero last Sunday, April 12, after rescuing a surfer in distress in a turbulent sea. Aided by his companion Esteban, Oskar saved the life of an athlete who had ventured into the Cantabrian Sea under highly unfavorable surfing conditions.
Around two in the afternoon, Oskar went to La Atalaya in Mundaka to check the sea conditions. He immediately realized it was not a suitable day to enter the water, but he spotted a person in trouble. The Brazilian surfer, who had not practiced the sport for eight years, was unable to paddle or move from his position, trapped by the sea's powerful force.
“"If it hadn't been for me and my companion, the waves would have carried him away, and he would have drowned."
Oskar did not hesitate. He rushed home to grab his wetsuit and board. Once in the water, he threw his leash (the rope used to attach to the board) to the Brazilian surfer, but the latter couldn't grasp it, claiming a shoulder injury. Subsequently, Oskar and Esteban tied the Brazilian to Oskar's board and towed him to the port ramp, where they safely brought him ashore.
Once on land, the rescued individual was taken to the Mundaka surf club premises, where he took a hot shower, and an ambulance was called, although Oskar believes it wasn't necessary for him to be transported to the hospital. Oskar has expressed his pride in the congratulations received from the locals and emphasized that he was never in danger during the rescue. The Brazilian surfer, for his part, was unable to even thank him, exhausted and paralyzed by the shock.
