Dad of four who rescued woman from River Lee says 'I'm not a hero'
Mohammed Khathiri, 44, happened to be gazing through his bedroom window near George's Quay when he spotted the casualty tumble into the river on Wednesday afternoon. He explained that she had been perched on the quay wall, and the moment she disappeared from view, he "didn't hesitate" to dash outside his front door and assist her.
Mohammed, who hails from Morocco but has been living in Cork for nearly two years, peeled off his clothes and leapt into the freezing Lee water instantly after witnessing the casualty battling to remain above water.
Speaking to CorkBeo, he revealed the woman was attempting to cling onto the quay wall but was in danger of slipping beneath the surface.
"I saw her sitting on the river wall and suddenly she fell into the river. I didn't hesitate to help her, I didn't even think. I ran quickly and jumped into the river. This took me about 20 or 30 seconds, to be in front of her," reports Cork Beo.
"After I jumped into the river, I saw the girl trying to hold onto the river wall. She was unable to. I caught her and pulled her to me. It was difficult for us both, as the river was deep. Some passersby were watching the event and one of them threw me a lifebuoy. That made it a little easier, it took me, I think, it all took around seven minutes. Mohammed with Cork City Community Radio host Fahmeda Naheed (Image: Cork City Community Radio) Mohammed leaving the water after the river rescue (Image: Cork City Community Radio)
"Of course I jumped to save her. Without any hesitation. This is my principle in life and my belief as well. Life is sacred. It must be protected, whether it is a human, animal or any creature that needs help."
Mohammed and the casualty were assisted from the water by emergency services, and he received a thorough medical check before being discharged.
Mohammed explained they were both fortunate as the current wasn't particularly powerful at that moment. He mentioned he felt no fear as he was a skilled swimmer who had grown up learning to swim in rivers.
Word of the 44 year old's heroic act was swiftly shared across social media, with countless people praising his courage and hailing him a 'hero'. Speaking about the rescue on Cork City's Community Radio yesterday though, he maintained that he simply did what anybody else would have done.
He told presenter Fahmeda: "I would like to thank all people in news and social media. I'm not a hero... I did what was important to do. This life, it's for all."
Mohammed is a father of four, currently employed as a cleaner, and creates rap music in Arabic during his free time.
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Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
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Dad of four who rescued woman from River Lee says 'I'm not a hero'
A courageous father who saved a woman from drowning in the River Lee in Cork has revealed he "didn't even think" before plunging into the water to rescue her. Mohammed Khathiri, 44, happened to be gazing through his bedroom window near George's Quay when he spotted the casualty tumble into the river on Wednesday afternoon. He explained that she had been perched on the quay wall, and the moment she disappeared from view, he "didn't hesitate" to dash outside his front door and assist her. Mohammed, who hails from Morocco but has been living in Cork for nearly two years, peeled off his clothes and leapt into the freezing Lee water instantly after witnessing the casualty battling to remain above water. Speaking to CorkBeo, he revealed the woman was attempting to cling onto the quay wall but was in danger of slipping beneath the surface. "I saw her sitting on the river wall and suddenly she fell into the river. I didn't hesitate to help her, I didn't even think. I ran quickly and jumped into the river. This took me about 20 or 30 seconds, to be in front of her," reports Cork Beo. "After I jumped into the river, I saw the girl trying to hold onto the river wall. She was unable to. I caught her and pulled her to me. It was difficult for us both, as the river was deep. Some passersby were watching the event and one of them threw me a lifebuoy. That made it a little easier, it took me, I think, it all took around seven minutes. Mohammed with Cork City Community Radio host Fahmeda Naheed (Image: Cork City Community Radio) Mohammed leaving the water after the river rescue (Image: Cork City Community Radio) "Of course I jumped to save her. Without any hesitation. This is my principle in life and my belief as well. Life is sacred. It must be protected, whether it is a human, animal or any creature that needs help." Mohammed and the casualty were assisted from the water by emergency services, and he received a thorough medical check before being discharged. Mohammed explained they were both fortunate as the current wasn't particularly powerful at that moment. He mentioned he felt no fear as he was a skilled swimmer who had grown up learning to swim in rivers. Word of the 44 year old's heroic act was swiftly shared across social media, with countless people praising his courage and hailing him a 'hero'. Speaking about the rescue on Cork City's Community Radio yesterday though, he maintained that he simply did what anybody else would have done. He told presenter Fahmeda: "I would like to thank all people in news and social media. I'm not a hero... I did what was important to do. This life, it's for all." Mohammed is a father of four, currently employed as a cleaner, and creates rap music in Arabic during his free time. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
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