Man Survived Drowning at Sea by Holding Onto a Soccer Ball for 18 Hours Before Being Rescued by Coast Guard Back in 2022

Soccer is widely known as one of the greatest sports of all time. It is one of the most followed games in the world, and fans watch this sport in large numbers. Since the game was invented, it has established itself as a recreational activity.

Everyone seems to enjoy soccer, from toddlers to old people, as it has become a global sport. The game has really changed the lives of millions of professional players, who are earning a living from it. Now, of course, you know how much players earn, but have you ever heard of a soccer ball saving a life? Are you shocked? Well, so are we, as the beautiful game literally saved a man’s life.

Soccer ball saves the day

Back in 2022, news spread around the soccer world that a man got lost in the big sea. An individual named Ivan, along with his friend, got caught in high currents off the coast of Myti Beach in Kassandra, Greece.

Amid a moment of chaos and panic, his friends quickly informed the local authorities, who proclaimed Ivan and his accompanying friend lost. Everyone had lost hope of their survival. However, it was Ivan, who eventually survived the enormous sea tides.

Ivan revealed that while trying to survive, a toy ball floated toward him, and he survived by clinging to the ball. He did that for more than 18 hours and was later rescued by the Greek Coast Guard helicopter, which pulled him to safety.

READ MORE: “He’s Embraced It” – Cristiano Ronaldo’s Controversial Exit From Manchester United Credited To Have Benefitted the Club’s Current Hero

Unfortunately, Ivan’s friend, Martin Jovanovski, was nowhere to be found, as they couldn’t find the individual. Nevertheless, it’s good that the officials were able to spot Ivan, as he must be thanking the soccer ball a lot. But it seems he should be thanking the two boys who lost the ball in the first place.

Thanks to the boys who lost the ball

Soon after Ivan’s rescue operation, a photo was shared of him, the ball, his parents, and the mayor of Kassandra. The photo went viral, and it caught a local family’s eye. Hence, ten days later, the mother of two came forward and affirmed that the ball belonged to her sons.

The local woman claimed her kids lost the ball at Evgatis Beach on the Greek island of Lemnos. The ball was actually half-inflated and even after that, it helped him save his life. The mayor of the city said, “I had constant information on the course of the rescue and am very happy about the smooth ending of the young man’s adventure.”

“The young man found a ball that saved his life as he helped him when he got tired. Thanks to the port, the EKAB and the Kassandra Health Center, the air force, the Greek police, the fishermen’s boats of Nea Skioni, the two boats sailing in the area, all the rescue teams and the volunteers,” he added.

WATCH THIS STORY: Cristiano Jr’s Insane Training Schedule

We don’t know about you, but we have actually never heard this story. Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.