Tom Bradby tries to save suicidal man

A British journalist was among those who tried to save a 70-year-old man whose auto plunged into the sea at the port of Rafina on Sunday but were unable to save the pensioner, who drowned.

“Just watched an elderly man commit suicide in Greece by driving his auto off the harbour wall in Rafina”, tweeted the journalist.

Bradby, 48, said only one of “nine or 10” police officers and officials at the scene went into the water to try and rescue him.

Bradby received praise and support from fellow Twitter users, with many saluting his bravery in attempting to save the man’s life.

Bradby explained on Twitter that he unsuccessfully attempted to rescue the man from his auto, writing that he “dived in, tried to help [and] couldn’t get him out”.

‘The rest watched, ‘ he said. “So much for the Greek holiday trade being business as usual”.

There has been a 35 per cent rise in suicide rates in less than two years, according to figures released last month.

Bradby, from Hampshire, is best known as ITV News’ political editor and presenter of political series The Agenda.

The move saves Greece from a disorderly default on its debts which could have come as soon as next week and helps to cement its membership of Europe’s single currency.