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Father who drowned while saving son to be flown back home

Dubai - A beach outing ended up in tragedy when 49-year-old George Joseph dived into the sea and rescued his son but ended up drowning himself

The body of George Joseph, 49, an Indian resident who lost his life while rescuing his teenage son from drowning at Mamzar beach last Friday, will be flown back to his hometown in Kerala at midnight tonight.
His family will take the same flight to Calicut, and Joseph's parents will receive the body.
On Friday, a beach outing ended up in tragedy for the Joseph family. After lunch, the pharmacist, his wife Shiny George and children Sohia and Ahil were at the Mamzar beach, when Ahil who was playing in the water started struggling in the water. His father, who is said to have not known swimming, dived in and rescued his son but ended up drowning.
Joseph's body was enbalmed at Sonapur Medical Fitness Centre, and a prayer meet for him took place in the presence of about 200 people, including relatives, friends, and members of the Orthodox Church in Dubai.
The prayer meet room was packed with people, and many were stood outside. Friends and relatives thronged to wait their chance to get in and offer their condolences to and console the bereaved family.
"Joseph and I have been friends for five years and we shared a good rapport. It is so unfortunate that the family went out to have a good time and it turned out to be the worst for them," said a friend, asked to remain anonymous.
A member of the Orthodox Church said: "We got to know the tragic news through the newspaper, and decided to come to see our fellow member for the last time. It is sad and disappointing; may his soul rest in peace."
ankita@khaleejtimes.com