An Irishman is recuperating in an Italian hospital after nearly drowning while proposing to his girlfriend.
According to reports from Italy, the 41-year-old was on bended knee at a marina in the north-east of the country when he lost his footing and fell into the water.
The unusual incident occurred in Trieste, a coastal city about an hour and a half west of Venice. The Italian Coast Guard reported that the incident took place at Venice Wharf, part of the popular Marina San Giusto, around 11pm on Sunday.
They stated that the Irish man had planned to surprise his girlfriend, who is also from Ireland, with a proposal. However, before she could respond, he lost his balance and fell into the waters of the Gulf of Trieste.
Struggling to get out of the water, his distressed partner raised the alarm. Local firefighters quickly arrived at the scene and, with the assistance of a Coast Guard cutter, managed to rescue the Irishman from the waters.
He was found to be suffering from hypothermia and was immediately rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital. As of Monday evening, he was still receiving treatment, but it is understood that his condition is not serious.
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English (United States) ·