Sunday saw some pretty good waves off Hawaii’s Oahu island, although for one surfer they proved too much to handle.

American Evan Geiselman was crushed inside a massive barrel and the damage done was severe, although thankfully South African bodyboarding champion Andre Botha was on hand to save the day. Here’s CBS:

“The first thing that went through my mind at that point was that he was dead,” said Botha. “His face was a dark blue, almost purple.”

Powerful currents threatened to sweep the pair away, but lifeguards jumped in to assist Botha.

“All the oncoming waves crashing on him, he was able to just hold on to that surfer’s body and help until we got there and got to him,” said Captain Vitor Marcal of the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services. “It was amazing.”

Evan was very thankful as was his older brother Eric, posting this to his Instagram whilst his boet recovered in hospital.

Hero Botha remained modest about the whole thing:

“From my point of view, I was just the right person at the right place at the right time,” Botha responded. “There are so many people that are saving lives every day that don’t really get the recognition that they deserve.”

Good work Andre, I feel you may have a few hugs coming your way from a happy set of brothers.

Thanks Andrew

[source:cbs]