Good Samaritans Form Human Chain To Rescue Couple Struggling At Sea

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Incredible footage from Florida shows daring beachgoers and rescue personnel saving a couple who had become stuck out at sea during Storm Barry with a human chain.

On July 14 the man and woman became caught in strong rip currents at Panama City Beach. The human chain was formed in a bid to reach them and bring them back to shore, and at least one person was forced to swim out to the stranded pair.

The rescue attempt proved perilous, with a sheriff officer reportedly nearly dying while trying to help the couple. Fortunately, the rescue attempt ultimately proved to be a success, with the couple and their heroic rescuers getting back to shore safely.

The remarkable footage was captured by holidaymaker Brian Daniels, who later recounted how a ‘sheriff officer almost died helping out’, meaning he ‘had to be rescued himself’.

Thankfully, despite having become ‘pretty sick from the sea water’, the sheriff was okay following his ordeal.

Daniels explained how the daring human chain rescue had been successful, with everyone involved returning safely from the dangerous waters.

The footage was captured at approximately 11am, at a time when double red flags were being flown to warn beachgoers against going in the sea.

On the same day the footage was filmed, Panama City Beach Rescue warned beach goers to take the double red flags seriously:

Double Red Flags are flying on Panama City Beach. Multiple calls for swimmers in distress. Please avoid getting in the water. The decision to ignore the warnings has impacts far beyond the swimmer that becomes distressed.

They added:

Finding chaos and rendering calm is why we are here. Although many don’t heed the warnings, you’re all worth the risks.

Our hope is that by making these posts, the masses will be informed of what we risk, everything, when we cross the thresholds of our firehouses. To those considering going in the water today, when we’re called, we leave hopeful to return, but are prepared to pour our proverbial cup out.

According to local reports from around the Panama City Beach area, a total of 40 water rescues were carried out on Sunday, July 14. Tragically, one man is said to have lost his life during a separate incident.

According to People, Panama City Beach Police Department spokesperson, Brenda Vincent, said the body of a 67-year-old man was found in the sea less than one hour after he was reported missing.

Vincent told People how at least four further rescues were made on the morning of Monday, July 15, with the dangerous water conditions said to be due to Storm Barry.

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Julia Banim

Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.