Priest dies saving three at Goa beach

GOA, May 11, 2010, 09:43 Hrs (UCAN):

A Catholic priest in Goa, who saved his three young parishioners from drowning, died of a massive heart attack May 9 during the rescue in rough seas.

Fr Thomas Remedios Fernandes, 37, assistant parish priest of Church of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Nuvem village, came to Galgibaga beach 28 kilometers south of the state capital Panaji as part of a 63-member picnic party, UCA News reports.

During the afternoon, Fr Fernandes was alerted by cries for help from the youths - two girls and a boy aged between 17 and 19. The priest helped two reach the shore but as he dragged the third victim, he collapsed in shallow waters, his companions said.

He was rushed to a local health centre but was declared dead on arrival.

The three youths were discharged after receiving first aid.