On November 22, 2024, Zhuhai resident He Jintao was officially honored as a Good Samaritan for his courageous act of rescuing a foreigner who had fallen into the sea. He was recognized and rewarded for his bravery.
On July 6, 2024, He Jintao set out on a recreational trip with friends aboard his speedboat. Departing from Gaolan Nanshui Dock in Zhuhai, he headed out to sea. At approximately 7 a.m., as they passed a location roughly three nautical miles west of Xiaowanshan Island, He noticed a white plastic bucket floating on the water.
Initially, He thought it was just typical marine debris. To his astonishment, however, the “white bucket” started to speak!
Hearing cries for help, He quickly maneuvered his speedboat closer to investigate. He then discovered a foreigner clinging to the bucket, shouting for assistance. Acting swiftly, He pulled the man onto his boat. Unable to communicate directly due to the language barrier, He used a translation app on his phone to have a brief conversation with the man.
Through the translation app, He learned that the foreigner had been adrift for over a day and was extremely hungry. Without hesitation, He shared some of the food he had on board and took the man to the nearest police station in Wanshan.
Upon investigation by the police, it was revealed that the foreigner was an illegal immigrant. On the night of July 4, the man’s vessel, which was being used for an illegal smuggling operation, had capsized. After falling into the water, the man managed to grab hold of a white plastic bucket, which kept him afloat for nearly two days. His ordeal at sea came to an end when He Jintao rescued him. At the time of rescue, the man was severely hungry, but He’s quick thinking and generosity ensured he was given food.
The police subsequently launched an investigation into the foreigner’s illegal immigration case.
