Argentine footballer Martin Demichelis narrowly escaped a life-threatening ordeal after being caught in powerful sea currents while holidaying in Uruguay on New Year’s Eve.
The former Argentina defender was vacationing with his family at Laguna Escondida beach in the José Ignacio area near Punta del Este on December 31. Despite clear warnings that swimming was prohibited, Demichelis entered the water along with his eldest son Bastian, and niece Camila.
Dangerous Currents Turn Holiday Into Nightmare
Soon after entering the sea, the group found themselves unable to return to shore as strong waves and currents dragged them farther away. Local media reported that the situation quickly became critical as the force of the water overwhelmed them.
Video footage later showed Demichelis and his family struggling in the rough sea, visibly calling for help as the current continued to pull them outward.
A local journalist recalled the tense moment, saying,
“𝑾𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝑫𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔.”
Surfers Step In to Save Lives
Sensing the danger, a group of surfers from a nearby beach rushed to the scene. Acting swiftly, they used their surfboards to reach the stranded family members and bring them back to safety one by one.
Their quick response prevented what could have been a tragic outcome. Reflecting on the rescue, one witness said the surfers’ courage and awareness made all the difference in a beach zone lacking lifeguard supervision.
Although no one was seriously injured, the incident left Demichelis and his family deeply shaken. Thanks to the bravery of the surfers, the former Argentine star’s New Year’s Eve ended in relief rather than tragedy.
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