Mother has “psychological episode” and jumps in river with three-year old daughter.

By SHAUNA ANDERSON

Somewhere in Melbourne is hero – a man whose image is being broadcast from TV screens and is on the pages of the newspaper.

The man who saved a mother and daughter – just three-years old from drowning yesterday afternoon after a mother tragically jumped into the Yarra River with her daughter in her arms.

A man who deserves the thanks of many of this woman’s loved ones for being so selfless in her time of need.

A hero.

It was mid afternoon when the man tore off his clothes and dived into the freezing river at Southbank to rescue the woman and her daughter.

Nine News report that the woman had boarded the Williamstown Ferry at 12.30pm which then travelled to Southbank. Crew members became concerned about her when she locked herself in the bathroom for the entire journey. The skipper told The Herald Sun

“I kept knocking on the door and asking if she was OK and she kept saying she was fine,”

“I just assumed something had happened and she was embarrassed and didn’t want to come out.”

When the boat had been docked for over five minutes he knocked again and asked her to come out.

When she did emerge The Age reports she refused to exit through the usual area saying that it was “the gates of hell”.

According to The Leader the mother then walked to the other side of the boat from where passengers disembark, removed the safety rail and jumped into the water with her daughter in her arms.

It was then that this man – a fellow passenger ripped off his shirt and without hesitation dove into the river rescuing the tiny girl. After bringing the tiny girl, who at three would surely have drowned, in to shore he then went back for her mother.

Nine News had witness reports who said that the mother did not want to climb up the ladder and just clung to the man who had rescued her. Reports are that the two were not injured.

The mother and daughter were taken to hospital for evaluation. Nine News called the mother’s action a “psychological episode”.

Police Sergeant Darren Wright told The Herald Sun “It’s cold conditions and rescuing a three-year-old, who probably wouldn’t have any swimming skills … he did an incredibly heroic job.”

We are sure that many many of her loved ones would today like to thank the brave passenger who did not hesitate to rescue this mother and daughter. It is actions like his that renew our faith in the human spirit.

If you need help there are many organisations that can assist

Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14

Contact Kid’s Helpline on 1800 551 800

Visit Parentline ‘s web site for each state’s number

Contact SANE Australia on 1800 187 263