‘Martyr of the Nation’: Tour guide dies after rescuing 2 Israeli travelers from drowning

Anamali, a father of two, has been posthumously awarded the title “Martyr of the Nation” by the Albanian government, one of the country’s highest honors for acts of heroism.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

According to reports, Anamali had taken a group of visitors, including seven Israeli nationals, on a boat tour earlier this week. During the trip, two of the tourists entered the lake despite warnings about strong currents. It was immediately apparent that they were in danger of drowning.

Anamali and others tried to assist the swimmers from the boat. The tour guide and fellow travelers threw their lifejackets, including Anamali’s own, but these attempts were unsuccessful.

Witnesses say Anamali entered the water to help bring the tourists back to the vessel. As soon as he succeeded in getting both individuals to safety, the tour guide disappeared beneath the surface of the water.

Authorities believe the captain may have suffered cardiac arrest brought on by physical exhaustion and stress from the rescue. His body was later transferred to the regional hospital in Shkodra for further examination.

Anamali, a father of two, has been posthumously awarded the title “Martyr of the Nation” by the Albanian government, one of the country’s highest honors for acts of heroism. A formal memorial ceremony is expected to take place in the coming days.

“He gave everything to save lives,” said a government representative, as reported by the Albanian Times.

Earlier this week, an Israeli father and son died while hiking in Austria’s Tyrol region.

Eyal Keren, 58, and his son Omer Keren, 30 slipped and fell together on the Stubai High Trail. Another son of Eyal’s accompanied them but was unharmed.

The bodies of the father and son from Koranit in northern Israel were recovered shortly after the incident.