Pro surfer rescued after nearly drowning at Ehukai Beach

HONOLULU (AP) — A professional surfer is recovering after what ocean safety officials called an “amazing” rescue at Ehukai Beach.

Twenty-two-year-old Evan Geiselman, of Florida, was recovering at a hospital Monday, Hawaii News Now reported.

Two-time world bodyboarding champion Andre Botha, of South Africa, was the one who found Geiselman unconsciousness in the water Sunday morning.

“His face was a dark blue, almost purple. He was foaming at the mouth. His eyes were rolled back and his body was completely limp,” Botha said. “The first thing that went through my mind at that point was that he was dead.”

Botha attempted to resuscitate Geiselman while trying to swim to shore against the waves. Safety officials estimate that the pair had traveled about 300 yards before other surfers and lifeguards reached them.

“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. It was amazing,” said Capt. Vitor Marcal of the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division.

Botha said that staying afloat while clinging to Geiselman took a “huge amount of energy.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever expended that amount of energy in that short amount of time ever,” he said.

Geiselman eventually regained consciousness after he was brought to shore. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Geiselman’s brother, Eric, took to social media Monday to thank Botha and other rescuers.

“Words can not describe how thankful I am for everyone coming together and acting so quickly,” Eric Geiselman said in a post on Instagram that showed a picture of his brother flashing a shaka from his hospital bed. “We had guardian angels yesterday!”

Botha said that anyone would have done what he did if they were in his position.

“From my point of view, I was just the right person at the right place at the right time,” he said.