An Albanian in New Jersey has become the protagonist of a heroic act, helping to save a 50-year-old man who was in danger of drowning in the ocean waters.
In an exclusive interview for Euronews Albania , with journalist Xhensil Shkëmbi, Xhemo Lanica recounts the difficult moments of the intervention and how, together with several beach lifeguards, they managed to bring the person who was in danger to shore.
Lanica, originally from Ulcinj and an immigrant to the United States for seven years, says she didn’t think twice when she saw that the person’s life was in danger.
Having grown up near the sea, he says his experience helped him cope with the situation, although the strong ocean currents and the person’s weight made the intervention particularly difficult.
A few moments later, Lanica was joined by several lifeguards working on the beach. After about 15 minutes of effort and coordination, the 50-year-old was pulled to shore.
“I really thank God that I was there and that I could give him a hand to help him. In cases like this, you don’t have to think twice when another person’s life is in danger,” Lanica tells Euronews Albania.
After the rescue, the Albanian was able to communicate with the 50-year-old, who thanked him and told him that it was a “second chance at life” for him.
Lanica emphasizes that he was not the only one who contributed to this event. According to him, everyone present helped in their own way, from those who gave instructions to those who pulled the rope.
“Humanism has no borders, no religion, and no nationality,” he says.
For Lanica, this event is another moment that shows the other side of the Albanian community in the United States, away from stereotypes and negative news.
“Today we have doctors, lawyers, people with higher education, and we are being represented very well. I am truly proud of all Albanians and my fellow countrymen,” he says.