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Renato GrbicSerbian who saved 25 people from the water
Country:
 Serbia |
Content:
- Renato Grbic - Serbian Hero and Businessman
- A Chance Encounter
- A Lifesaving Mission
- A Second Chance at Life
Renato Grbic - Serbian Hero and Businessman
Renato Grbic, a Serbian businessman and restaurant owner, has become a true hero in his country. Over the past 15 years, Grbic, now known as the "Danube Superman," has saved 25 people from drowning. All of the rescued individuals were failed suicide attempts, jumping from the bridge over the Danube River, located near Renato's restaurant.
A Chance Encounter
Renato Grbic first saved a person many years ago while fishing with his brother on a boat. They heard a heavy splash in the water and initially didn't realize what had happened until they noticed a struggling person in the river. They pulled him into the boat, and Renato still remembers what he said to the would-be suicide: "It's such a beautiful day today, and you decided to end your life!"
Interestingly, the first person they saved turned out to be mentally ill. After providing him with dry clothes and hot tea, Renato and his brother called for an ambulance. Later, Renato realized that his restaurant was located near the Pancevo Bridge, a popular spot for those seeking to end their lives by jumping into the turbulent waters of the Danube.
A Lifesaving Mission
From his restaurant window, Renato always had a view of the Pancevo Bridge, and one day, he noticed another person jumping into the water. Abandoning his duties, Grbic jumped into his boat and rescued yet another person from the Danube. Since then, his boat is always ready, and Renato cannot help but constantly keep an eye on the bridge.
Over the years, Renato Grbic has saved over 20 people from beneath the bridge. The individuals he rescued came from all walks of life - rich and poor, sick and healthy, men and women. The reasons for wanting to end their lives varied, but Renato is not too concerned about their motivations. His mission is to prevent these unfortunate souls from drowning before his eyes. Thus, at any given day, at any hour, Renato is prepared to drop everything, jump into his motorboat, and rush to the scene of the tragedy.
A Second Chance at Life
Remarkably, one of the individuals Renato saved comes to his restaurant every year on the same day - the day of her second birth, the day Renato Grbic saved her life. When she jumped, she was only 18 years old and barely understood the gravity of her actions. Today, she is married and has a child. "My heart skips a beat every time I see her," confesses Renato.
Overall, Renato Grbic is slightly disappointed as the people he saved never say "thank you," never call, and generally show no gratitude. He would very much like to know how their lives turned out after he pulled them out of the Danube. One day, a 22-year-old woman, whom Renato saved, admitted that she did it because of her friend. "Do you think he would do the same for you?" Renato asked her.
Psychologists say that individuals who have failed in their suicide attempts often experience shame and anger. Thus, they do not wish to dwell on that unfortunate day. Renato understands this dual nature of their behavior. However, he has no intention of letting people drown right before his eyes. He will continue to rescue them as long as they keep jumping from the Pancevo Bridge.
The Belgrade Municipality has already awarded Renato Grbic with a medal, recognizing him as a hero, while the people have dubbed him the "Danube Superman." Renato himself, however, does not consider himself a hero. "I just give people a second chance," he says. He also admits that when he learns someone has jumped from the bridge while he wasn't there, he feels truly sick. Incidentally, he spends more and more time observing the Pancevo Bridge, reminding all suicidal individuals in Belgrade that their lives are not solely in their own hands but also under the watchful eye of the restaurant owner on the shore.
