Another hero just proved how a heart made of gold can be patriotic.
Secretary of State for the Gendarmerie, Serge Gelle was responding to a search and rescue call operation for a wooden cargo ship that capsized off the northeast coast of Madagascar.
While on its way, the helicopter that he was on got destabilized by a powerful gust of wind and crashed into the sea.
The 57-year-old Police Minister was able to survive after he quickly unfastened his seat and began to remove his boots, belt, and anything else that might weigh him down in the water.
And without any floating device, Serge used his seat to keep him floating and kept swimming towards shore for 12 straight hours from 7:30 P.M. to 7:30 A.M. and made it to land without any injuries.
“My turn to die has not yet come, thank God. I’m well. I’m just cold.” said Serge that was posted on Twitter.
♦️Le GDI Serge GELLE, un des passagers de l’hélicoptère accidenté hier a été retrouvé sain et sauf ce matin du côté de Mahambo.
☑️ Les sapeurs sauveteurs de la #4°UPC ont également retrouvé le carcasse de l’hélicoptère au fond de la mer. pic.twitter.com/sP2abwTMwB— Ministère de la Défense Nationale Madagascar (@MDN_Madagascar) December 21, 2021
He was also saddened by the fact that he had no idea what happened to the Pilot that is up until now missing and the other person on the aircraft.
The President of Madagascar and members of the public expressed their admiration for the feat and commented on the fact that the athletic police minister showed the stamina of a much younger man.
Police chief Zafisambatra Ravoavy told that Gelle managed to survive by using a seat from the helicopter as a floatation device. He commended Gelle for having “nerves of steel.”
“He has always had great stamina in sport, and he’s kept up this rhythm as a minister, just like a 30-year-old,” Ravoavy said.
Source: News Hour First