Danilo Vega: My thrilling yet heartwarming rescue experience in Wuxi

Danilo Vega (R) and Raúl Cortez are honored for saving a Chinese couple from drowning on Oct 30 in Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

My name is Danilo Vega, and I am an Agro-industrial Engineer currently working at the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) in El Salvador, where I serve as the liaison with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of El Salvador (MAG). In my role, I support interinstitutional cooperation with MAG, focusing on the development of the Fishery and Aquaculture Center. My responsibilities include overseeing projects aimed at enhancing aquaculture stations and constructing new fishery piers.

Earlier this year, the Center received an invitation from the Chinese Embassy in El Salvador to attend a seminar on the sustainable development of aquaculture and climate change for countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. This opportunity was made possible by the strong relationship between China and El Salvador.

Danilo Vega poses for a photo with his friends in Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

Our group of six Salvadorans arrived in Wuxi, a city in East China's Jiangsu province, on Oct 17, eager to learn as much as possible from the seminar as well as explore a new culture, meet people, and discover new places. Despite the intensive nature of the seminar, we took time to explore the city, immersing ourselves in its vibrant culture, interacting with its warm people, and enjoying its stunning landscapes.

One evening around 10 pm, we decided to take a walk to buy souvenirs and sample some local cuisine. During our stroll, we noticed a young couple near a river, who both fell into the water and struggled to stay afloat. We immediately sprang into action. Raúl jumped into the river to help the man, while I stayed on the shore to assist in pulling him out. Once the man was safe, I saw that Raúl was struggling to stay afloat due to how cold the water was, around 10 C.

I jumped in to assist. I helped Raúl reach the surface and guided him toward the shore. Then, I swam back to rescue the woman, bringing her safely to shore, where a police officer was waiting with a lifesaving rope.

Once on dry land, I was deeply touched by the kindness of the locals. They quickly offered us shelter from the cold. One craftsman even gave me his jacket, and another local bought us dry clothes, as we were soaked and shivering. Their generosity and thoughtfulness were heartwarming. A nearby business owner invited us into his store, closing it so we could warm up and recover. I was amazed by the collective effort to ensure everyone's safety and comfort.

A few days later, we received our diplomas during the seminar's closing ceremony. After the event, we revisited the river to conduct interviews about the incident. When we returned to the auditorium, we were surprised by an unexpected ceremony organized just for us. The event, held by the Wuxi authorities and the director of the Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, honored our actions. Everyone congratulated us, and I believe this recognition serves as a key motivator for people worldwide to show empathy and extend a helping hand to others. As the Chinese ambassador to El Salvador, Zhang Yanhui, said during our recognition ceremony, "We, the people of the world, are one big family."

Raul Cortez (2nd from right) and Danilo Vega (2nd from left) are recognized at the Chinese Embassy in El Salvador on Nov 6. [Photo/Embassy of the People's Republic of China in El Salvador]

Thankfully, what could have been a tragic event turned into a powerful reminder of humanity's goodness. This experience gave me much to reflect on regarding how we live our lives and whether we show compassion to others in their times of need. In today's world, it is easy to become indifferent to the struggles of others, but we must remember that everyone faces challenges. Just like the couple we helped, tomorrow it could be any one of us who needs assistance.

This experience reinforced the importance of kindness and empathy. In a world full of challenges, offering help to others creates bonds that transcend borders and cultures. It is in these moments of selflessness that we truly find purpose and connection.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." (A quote from the Bible)

The author is an Agro-industrial Engineer at the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation in El Salvador.

If you would like to share your Wuxi stories, then send us your writings at wuxiexpatstories@outlook.com.