Former Man City star rescued at sea with kids in terrifying footage | Football | Sport

Former Manchester City player Martin Demichelis and his children were rescued by surfers after getting caught in difficulty while swimming during a family holiday. Video footage of the footballer-turned-manager and his family being rescued has circulated widely across Argentina and Uruguay, with locals describing it as “a miracle” that the incident didn’t result in tragedy.

A powerful current reportedly swept Demichelis and his children – Bastian, 16; Lola, 12; and Emma, eight – away from shore in an unpatrolled stretch of water. The former Argentina international’s niece, Camila, was also involved in the incident, which took place near the exclusive Uruguayan Atlantic resort of Punta del Este.

Local reports claim the rescuers were off-duty lifeguards who happened to be surfing during their break. The video captured Demichelis’ children clinging to a surfboard as they were hauled back towards land through crashing waves, with additional locals rushing to assist as they approached the beach.

The footballer could be seen pushing the surfboard from behind whilst the youngsters held on, with applause erupting from spectators on shore as the rescue was successfully completed.

Unconfirmed accounts suggest the footballer, who appeared to be speaking firmly with his children after reaching safety, had entered the water to help them when he noticed they were struggling, before additional assistance arrived.

Uruguayan journalist Gustavo Descalzi told Argentinian TV programme A la Tarde: “It’s a miracle they’re alive. The place where this occurred is called Eden Rock near to a place known as San Vicente near to a home they rented.

“It’s not that swimming is banned there but the nearest lifeguard service is around a kilometre away. The reason I say it’s a miracle they’re alive is that this incident happened during a lifeguard change-over and two went to have something to eat and went for a stroll up the beach and that’s when they heard screaming.”

He continued: “I live near the spot where this happened and it’s a very dangerous area to go swimming. The water’s very deep and there are strong currents that take you away from the shoreline.”

It is understood that Demichelis’ estranged wife, Evangelina Anderson, was informed about the incident.

Demichelis, who signed a two-year contract with Manchester City for a reported £4.2 million in September 2013 and remained with the club until June 10, 2016, has not yet issued an official statement on social media.

The incident took place on December 31, but details of the rescue and accompanying footage have only recently emerged.