Security guard saves boat owner after cardiac arrest at Puerto Banus marina

Fast action by a security guard at Puerto Banus marina in Marbella helped save the life of a boat owner who collapsed into the water after suffering a cardiac arrest. Witnesses at the marina described scenes of panic after the man, believed to be around 50 years old, left the cabin of his boat shouting for help before suddenly falling into the sea. 

Rescue operation at Puerto Banus

Several nearby boat owners rushed to pull the man from the water. It has been reported that rescuers struggled because of his build, leaving him in the water for more than ten minutes before he could be brought onto the dock.

Óscar Toledano, a security guard and team supervisor working for Prosegur at the marina, received an emergency alert while outside the office. Recalling the incident, he said there was no time to think because every second could decide whether the victim survived. 

Medical staff later confirmed the man had suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest rather than drowning. Toledano quickly collected one of the marina’s defibrillators before returning to the victim and attaching the device. He then carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation while waiting for paramedics to arrive. 

Defibrillator and CPR helped save the victim

Thankfully signs of recovery appeared shortly after the intervention began. According to Toledano, the man started releasing water from his mouth, his skin colour improved and he attempted to breathe again before emergency crews reached Puerto Banus. Doctors later thanked the guard for helping stabilise the patient before hospital treatment. 

Family members later visited marina staff to express their gratitude. Relatives reportedly confirmed that the man had been moved to a hospital ward, was in a stable condition and had even started joking with relatives during recovery. 

Training in CPR and emergency response were a crucial part of the rescue. Prosegur stated that rapid intervention and access to defibrillators can prove critical during life-threatening incidents.