"Help Us!" Father and Daughter Who Fell into the Sea Rescued on Surfboard... Public-Sector Employee Belatedly Praised [Warm Stories]

[Financial News] A story has belatedly come to light about a public-sector employee who spotted a father and daughter falling into the sea during an autumn vacation with his family and rescued them using a single surfboard.
According to the Jeonju Facilities Management Corporation on the 23rd, Lee Dong-gyu, 38, of its affiliate Jeonju Seunghwawon, rescued a man in his 50s and his daughter in her 20s from drowning at Hamdeok Beach in Jocheon-eup, Jeju City, on the 15th.
Lee was resting on the beach when he heard a call for help from the waters about 100 meters offshore. The father and daughter, who had been swimming, were drifting out to sea after being swept away by high swells and strong currents.
Lee asked people nearby to call the 119 emergency number, grabbed the surfboard he had been riding, and jumped into the sea.
When he reached them, the daughter was barely holding on through survival swimming, but her father had already lost his strength and was sinking beneath the surface. Lee first pulled the father onto the board and then brought his daughter aboard as well.
Lee reassured them, saying, "We have a surfboard, so you're safe." However, when the father's breathing and consciousness rapidly deteriorated, Lee decided they could not wait for the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) and 119 emergency responders. He had the two lie facedown on the board and swam toward shore without any flotation equipment.
The three reached the beach safely, but all were exhausted. The 119 paramedics waiting at the scene took over the father's and daughter's care and provided emergency treatment. After receiving hospital treatment, both returned safely to their daily lives.
The story became known after the rescued father posted a thank-you letter in the "Let's Praise" section of the Jeonju Facilities Management Corporation's website. He wrote, "My daughter and I were in a desperate situation from which we could not escape on our own, but we survived thanks to Mr. Lee's courageous actions." He added, "I want to express my gratitude, which I was too flustered to properly convey at the time."
Lee said, "The moment I heard the screams, I could think of nothing but saving them," adding, "I'm relieved that both of them are safe."
The corporation plans to present Lee with a commendation certificate for risking his life to save precious lives.

[email protected] Seong Min-seo Reporter