Blair In South Africa: PM helps to save swimmer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.TONY BLAIR has gone where even the boldest spin doctor might fear to position him. It emerged yesterday that Mr Blair helped save a drowning man's life, pulling him out of the sea in the Seychelles and on to the yacht that the Prime Minister had chartered for the day.
Actually the man wasn't exactly drowning but "would soon have been in big trouble" and Mr Blair didn't get into the water to rescue him.
No matter. This was a spin doctor's dream come true. Not only was Mr Blair a hero. But had he returned from holiday earlier to ensure his children were back at school on time then clearly a man might have died.
But some elements of the story did lack the heroic touch. Mr Blair had taken to the water because his mobile phone couldn't get a signal on the beach. The holidaymaker did not recognise his rescuer.
But the skipper of the boat, Gerard Muffard, was effusive in his praise. He explained: "Mr Blair called out and asked him if he needed help, and he said `yes'." He added: "Mr Blair was very calm. He just said to him `We can help you. Where do you want us to take you?' We got the dinghy alongside the man and he was able to climb in, but all three of us [including a bodyguard] gave him extra help to get him into the boat."
Police in the Seychelles capital, Victoria, just said an incident occurred and the Prime Minister hauled the man on board. But then police the world over can be jealous of the drama, publicity and awe generated by a true super-hero.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments