FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – A Father’s Day outing turned tragic at Lauderdale Beach when a heroic act could not save everyone involved. As families gathered to enjoy the evening, a father and his young daughter found themselves struggling against the relentless waves.
Witnesses described the moment when cries for help pierced the air. Islam Saad, visiting from Ohio, responded without hesitation, diving into the water despite the risks. Yellow flags, indicating moderate danger, flew over the beach that day, a warning that went unheeded by the ocean.
Saad recounted the urgency of the situation, recalling the screams for help. “I didn’t think about anything,” he said, describing how he plunged into the water. His focus was on reaching the distressed pair, Antwan Wilson and his daughter, both caught in the waves.
The 33-year-old father had been enjoying the beach with his daughter, who was not more than ten years old. Saad managed to reach the girl first, pulling her toward safety. “I just tried to keep swimming,” he explained, describing how the girl stood on his shoulders before making her way to shore.
Despite his efforts, Saad found himself in peril as well. “I was drowning also,” he admitted, recognizing the miraculous nature of his own survival. Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue, arriving just after their shift ended, assisted in bringing the girl to safety.
Tragically, Wilson was later found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the hospital. His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences on social media, as the community mourns his loss. Meanwhile, his daughter remains at Broward Health Medical Center, where she is awake and responsive.
Saad, who was also treated and released from the hospital, received heartfelt gratitude from the girl’s family. “They thanked me for saving their girl,” he shared, reflecting on the emotional weight of the experience.
For Saad, the rescue holds personal significance; he has a daughter of similar age. “I’m grateful that she’s okay, but it’s heartbreaking about her father,” he said. The incident has left a lasting impact on all involved, a reminder of the ocean’s unpredictable nature.