Saario says that he is extremely grateful to both the crew that saved him and “the world’s greatest rowing team”.
An extreme rower in distress at sea Jari Saario has arrived in Cape Town. Saario says that he is extremely grateful to the Filipino crew that saved him, as well as for all the congratulatory messages he received.
– I am grateful, I have the world’s largest rowing team around me, Saario states.
According to the man, saving the island was a matter of honor for the Filipino crew, and they became close during their week together.
– They did an insane and difficult rescue operation and they will be proud of it for the rest of their lives. I already miss the crew. And there have been an insane number of congratulatory messages. The ship had limited data, but the crew read it to me. I get strength from them and they all go to my heart. Thank you, says Saario.
Saario plans to read all the messages he receives. He is grateful for all positive and negative feedback. He also says that he intends to look in the mirror in certain matters to learn from his experiences.
– I look in the mirror and wonder what I have to learn, but I don’t intend to come to Finland feeling ashamed. I’m proud that I dared.
Honorary Consul of Finland in Cape Town Philip Palmgren has assisted Saariot in immigration matters, and also accompanied the man to Cape Town.
Next, Saario plans to head to the hotel to sleep. On Saturday, he plans to go to the doctor to check his frostbitten feet.
The Filipino crew had given Saario an antibiotic ointment for his frostbitten feet on the ship. According to Saario, the swelling has gone down well.
– [Jalat] were frozen for a long time, when I had all the places wet. The legs now have marks similar to burns. But I do believe that they will get better, says Saario.
The cargo ship Cymona Eagle, which saved the island, stopped near Cape Town, South Africa, on Friday evening.
Among other things, Saariot was met by the honorary consul Philip Palmgrenwho told Iltalehte earlier that he was helping Saario with immigration matters. Palmgren was on board the small vessel that picked up Saario off Cape Town.
Palmgren and the other members of the party picked up Saario on a smaller boat, which then landed in Cape Town.
Jari Saario was rescued aboard the Cymona Eagle ship. Jari Saario’s home album
To the hotel
Saario was saved to Cymona Eagle with a bag containing a passport, wallet and boat papers. Palmgren’s business card was found in the wallet.
– I met Saario in August in Helsinki. He had kept the business card safe, Palmgren said.
A hotel stay awaits Saario in Cape Town. Palmgren estimates that Finnish rowers also want to eat, go to the barber shop, shop for clothes and take a sauna.
According to the latest information, Saario’s return to Finland will be at the beginning of the week. Saario gave an interview to Iltalehti on the night between Friday and Saturday.
