PUNTA DEL ESTE, Uruguay – Authorities in Punta del Este are conducting a large-scale search for a 30-year-old Argentinian man who went missing after jumping into the sea to help swimmers in distress. The incident occurred on the morning of January 1, 2025, at El Emir Beach, a popular destination in the city.
The man disappeared after attempting to rescue two women struggling to stay afloat in rough waters. Two men accompanying the women also entered the sea to assist. Members of the Uruguayan Naval Prefecture, who were stationed nearby for New Year's Eve safety operations, acted swiftly to save the individuals in peril.
One woman and one man were rescued by authorities, while the second man managed to reach the shore unaided. However, the Argentinian man vanished beneath the waves during the rescue attempt.
Search efforts, led by the Naval Prefecture, include patrol boats and inflatable rafts, focusing on both the sea and the surrounding coastline. Alejandro Pérez, spokesperson for the Uruguayan Navy, praised the heroic efforts of the officers who intervened without specialized rescue equipment, diving into the water with only their uniforms.
The missing man had recently arrived in Punta del Este to work in the hospitality industry during the busy summer season. Authorities continue to warn beachgoers about the dangers of swimming in unsafe conditions and urge them to follow safety guidelines.
The search is ongoing, with hope for his recovery driving the intensive operation.
