Image 37884488 by hellmut issels

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26-DEC-2004

Seconds after this image was taken the man in the picture was pulled out of the water from a balcony.
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Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
1/400s f/7.1 at 70.0mm iso100 full exif

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Guest		13-Feb-2006 10:47
Peoples believe in God or not but most of us believe in humanity, comments given by the few peoples have disgraced the humanity, peoples cry and feel sad about their pets, and making the mokery of human beings, count down has started and everybody should be ready for the worst and worst, it is predicted, there will be tsunami, catrina, harricane tornado, earthquakes, Aids, you can not fight with the nature. I pray to the Almighty to give us courage, and tolrance, bless the peoples who lost their lives, and their relatives to bear this irrepairble loss.

Bond Trader		21-Jan-2005 09:18
As a Futures trader Phuket was a place where we would travel to and get 3 prostitutes at once for the whole night. It was fun times. Why do the media not tell the public that it thrived on sex and that all the germans and dutch were there just for shagging?

Guest		19-Jan-2005 02:32
"I cannot believe the comments some of the people have made on this site. Its at a time like this when people should come together and help each other. These people are suffering at their loss's and you guys are cussing at each other... show a little respect. I have personally been affected by this tragedy, i suppose its ok for you to demean the seriousness of it, if you havent lost loved ones, but show a little respect for those who have. I cannot begin to comprehend the thoughts running for this poor guys mind, luckily he survived, if he didnt would you still be making pointless remarks about the disaster if he hadn't." Hmmm...come to think of it, I was making comments before I knew he was alive.

Guest		19-Jan-2005 02:31
When margret had to piss, she really had to piss!

nat england		16-Jan-2005 21:55
I cannot believe the comments some of the people have made on this site. Its at a time like this when people should come together and help each other. These people are suffering at their loss's and you guys are cussing at each other... show a little respect. I have personally been affected by this tragedy, i suppose its ok for you to demean the seriousness of it, if you havent lost loved ones, but show a little respect for those who have. I cannot begin to comprehend the thoughts running for this poor guys mind, luckily he survived, if he didnt would you still be making pointless remarks about the disaster if he hadn't. You should all be majorly ashamed of yourselves, and pray you never get affected by such a disaster. If the shoe was on the other foot how would you feel. Nat UK 18yrs

Allie		16-Jan-2005 16:16
To the first guest, I have a question... Are you really that dumb that you think George bush is trying to get money for the war by trying to collect donations for the destruction of the Tsunami. Oh and PS perhaps you should use spell check before sending an offensive comment about your president and more importantly the poor people who lost everything they had do to a NATURAL disaster.

Guest		14-Jan-2005 09:40
Actually the US Govt made it look like East Asia was hit by flooding by paying og Hollywood producers to beam fack news pictures but in actual fact its G W BUSH's way of collecting the donations to pay for his biggest stuff up - the IRAG WAR

Bob Brunette		12-Jan-2005 19:06
This picture shows a pretty stupid person.

Guest		11-Jan-2005 21:42
Nice comments Paul ... sanity does prevail in the end. It is nice to see the article about this guy and the fact he survived. Truly amazing. For you folks who seem to find it fun to somehow rip Americans or Aussies or Spaniards or Brits in all of this, give me a break. Its actually very sad that even in an event like this, too many people's initial reaction is to use it to somehow prove that their political worldview is superior. Whether you were for or against the US invasion of Iraq -- who freaking cares. It has nothing to do with this tragedy whatsoever. So get off of your Western Imperialists rants and just be pleased that the world is reacting in such a positive way. By the way, the picture posted on the message board is indeed a fake -- or sort of. It is a real picture, but not from the tsunami. Snopes.com has a nice explanation ... just search for "tsumani".

Guest		10-Jan-2005 07:11
American Govt are stingy when it comes to donations - per head capita they are losers. Countries always try to show muscle before they enter into a major recession ( big boys by entering iraq), but history will repeat itself and will end up like Spain and England when they tried to do the same many centuries ago.

Sherri		09-Jan-2005 23:51
The Man In this picture Survived. His name is Yai Kaytmunnee.. Here is more about him and his amazin story... http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,11891959%255E28477,00.html

Jonathan Laufersweiler		09-Jan-2005 14:55
Helmut is not Spider-Man. His lens is in a telephoto position here, the man is not really this close. What could YOU have done in 7 seconds, even if you did know which way the waters would have taken him? To all the "God's Wrath" types: remember the rainbow in Genesis? God promised not to smite by flood. Sometimes life is just hard and tragic for no good reason. Judge not, and do what you can to help the unfortunates.

Guest		08-Jan-2005 03:50
ok, the one of the people running from the wave is FAKE because you don't laugh and smile running from a big wave like that! But thanks for sharing...

Facilitator		08-Jan-2005 02:35
Eli Dill Please only hit the "post message" button once. Not 3 times. Dumb Ass.

Guest		07-Jan-2005 22:44
Loren Gunmunro what do you mean everything is fake??

Eli Dill		07-Jan-2005 19:29
If you have nothing positive to say about this tragedy...then SHUT UP! This website is for mature individuals who care to share thier condolences with those who are truely concerned about the wellfare of the survivors and the respect of the victims. Religion and Politics have NO PLACE in a discussion of this nature.

Loren Gunmunro		07-Jan-2005 19:29
I saw this exact picture on a website which claims that the picyures are all fake. Am I to believe that your pictures are fake too????

Guest		07-Jan-2005 18:27
http://img.blesk.cz/blesk/imgdb/original/phpiwfDb8.jpg think no one could save them...

Berumper		07-Jan-2005 17:23
You guys are all religious fanatic A-holes, S____ Happens, DEAL WITH IT! I don't give a damn who you are or where you're from, or what you belive in, cover you own butt! If the worl felt like that, then we'd all get along much better. Happy F-ing NEW YEAR Jerkoffs!

Grant		07-Jan-2005 13:55
Snooby, don't make moronic comments. This is a time about political issues, this is time of relief and support. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

shnooby wooby		07-Jan-2005 13:28
what is your cuntry's problem.you elected george w bush shut the fuk up wankers

E		06-Jan-2005 17:42
I want to start off by saying this is a tradgedy, one that I have in my daily prayers. I hope and pray for all victums and their families. I would also like to say, I find it very hypocryitcal of those that are out to bash America. If you are so much better then America, then why are you the one that is hateful and disrespectful. Be a leader and change the hate. This is a time when everyone should come together, and it's starts with each individual. Everyone is so qucik to blame America for hate, but the hate begins with you. Jesus was ridiculed and persecuted, but in the end he was a man that would never hate back. That is something we all can learn from.

wmd		06-Jan-2005 12:51
nooby wooby

April		06-Jan-2005 05:59
To Aussie- Anyone who would wish this upon anyone has to be some kind of SICK person. So there are some loud, messed up people here in America, but more than one of them came from your beautiful country. You have no idea how any type of tragedy affects you until it hits you between the eyes, but do I wish one upon you? By all means NO!

Guest		05-Jan-2005 16:12
first, discussing about rescueing the person, you have exactly to look at that picture and analyze the facts... look at PAUL´s description... you wont´t even think about the bedsheets while he is passing by 15 feet below... the second is to become a serious discussion or commentary collection it would be nice if there were some real useful and emotional comments.

Aussie2		05-Jan-2005 11:05
Granted that this Aussie(kickback7777@yahoo.com.au) is an arsehole. But you're gonna meet those types all over the world no matter where you go.

tombo		05-Jan-2005 11:01
Why are Australians arseholes, What if a person isn't strong enough to help without endangering their own life? Then it would make sense that footage is the only way that people can see what might have happened. If it was not for all the photo's of this then how would the world know about it? A Tsunami is an indescriminate killing machine, there is no-one to blame for anything. The world isn't full of heros, only those who are able to help and those can not.

Name		05-Jan-2005 01:39
God how is it that so many australians have turned into such assholes?

Oby		04-Jan-2005 13:31
I do hope that you people out there stop screaming at the photographer or anything. All of us are human. I supposed during the 9/11, its the same thing that every individual thinking of their own rites. For this case, no one know what is going to happen, even the scientist so called smartman in the world didn't even know that the earthquake is coming attacking. Only Allah knows best.. u see, i am not trying to say that i'm rite, as in my religion, never thought us to beat others or harm others. ALl this thing happen have meaning behind it. C'mon human, wake up! and think abt it..

aussie		04-Jan-2005 10:16
It sounds like normal American bad mannors, look at this guy and the 100 of 1000's that died like him, i wish this happened in the USA then you might stop winging about sep 11.

ernst		03-Jan-2005 21:36
people please.judge not so you shall not be judged(reminder to fanatic christians) rescuer safety comes first for obvious reason that by endangering your life you will not help the victim but create an other.the fotografer was helpless and did the only thing he could....let us see,so we will help.....and we do. i am a cold bastard with no care for anyone but i cried.after i saw what the empty words tsunami,disaster and ten thousends of dead looked like. may god forgive me for only giving 10% of a month salary but it is all i can afford.

Paul		03-Jan-2005 18:49
Next Time You find yourself in a tsunami looking down 15 feet at a man struugling against a force that will sweep him away in a matter of seconds.. i'd like to see how quickly you find four bedsheets tie them together, find something to tie them too, before jumping off in the total certaintly that these bedsheets will hold. You've been watching too much James Bond.. It doesn't happen.. why do you think only a few people get medals like the victoria cross. Simply because it isn't such an easy task to save a man's life in a split second while being exposed to the utmost danger. Besides, if you look at the man, he his calmly outstretching his hand to catch that of an unseen person who happens to be in a much better position to save the man that the photographer.. Next time you think of posting a scathing remark about someone you haven't met remember that you have no clue what is going on.. don't be naive in thinking you would have taken a dive to save the man's life. There are few people in this world with both the courage and the intelect to do so and get out alive themselves in such a situation.

Guest		03-Jan-2005 10:49
Information. Gather it on this post before making blind assumptions. The guy lived. The photographer took some amazing photos. Happy New Year.

Guest		02-Jan-2005 07:15
To Jeff - "My 2 year old daughter.....", please read about the karma bit, because I am very sure you do not want it to come and bite you on your fat arse. Or worse, ....your daughter!!!

Donna		02-Jan-2005 03:35
As a Chinese, we do believe that the 'Years' are 4-legged hungry, merciless demons or carnivours. They are out to attack humans and take their lives before another new 'Year' take over. Upon seeing this image, it is believe that this 2004 'Year' is the most vicious one that took away so many lives. To those who had have sacrificed in this tragedies, my prayers are always with you.

umer_f		01-Jan-2005 15:00
infact saving someone's life is more important than taking photographs and i think some effort must had been made to save him.I wish he had survived this tragedy.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 20:07
When you have a Camera you sometimes have to choose whether to be "outside" of the event, or "get personally involved" in the event. It is a split decision. Anyway, the person in the picture seems to be just the right age to have a good chance to survive what he is going through. Operative phrase here is "GOOD CHANCE". And for the people posting childish remarks, aren't you missing a good episode of Spongebob Squarepants?

Paul		31-Dec-2004 19:27
Why is he taking photos? Well just imagine if nobody had taken any photos, or shot videos, or heck even bothered to go out there and report this tragedy? How much money do you think would have been raised then? Every photo like this helps the survivors by pricking the consciences of those of us who are safe and warm tonight. If you agree, go make a donation. If you disagree, go make a donation. If you have already given, go make another donation.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 09:02
He's on the 3rd floor of this hotel, and the water is rushing faster than anyone can run. How is he supposed to make any effort to save this guy? A rope, as someone suggested - I don't think running down to the store was an option to get the rope that he didn't have with him in his hotel room, and there wasn't time in 10 seconds to tie pants and shirts together. He certainly couldn't jump down into the same water himself. That wouldn't do any good. So, what would all of you brave, judgemental westerners do?

klhsaudi		31-Dec-2004 07:36
If there is a time to save this person he may be saved, but you can't view this picture and made comments to the photographer without his effort taking pictures. we knew life is precious but how could you save this young man if you are not ready for a scenario like this???

Aaron		31-Dec-2004 03:56
Amazing recordings of a disaster. I hope it prompts us all to give generously to the relief effort.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 03:42
mr lewis, i tend to disagree. the photographer could have easily saved the man. a rope would be sufficient. attepts to save himself will certainly not be suicidal. anyway, the water seems to be receding at this stage when this photo was taken. i do not think he died.

Guest		31-Dec-2004 03:34
this must be the worst picture, luckily the man is safe and sound rite now... but the photoman is quite an idiot, he should have been saving the guy instead. u noe a lot of this in the wuld cannot be explained, but i still refuse to have a religion. they are an easy way out. the real danger in tsunamis is that u actully hit something, luckily this guy did not

Abigail		30-Dec-2004 19:09
It says ON THIS SITE, that the man featured in images VA7U0477, VA7U478, and VA7U479, was pulled from the water approximately 5 seconds after VA7U479 was taken. I would tend to believe the information from the same website before info from some unaffiliated source. Regarding the people who state the photographer is insensitive because he didn't try to help, he couldn't have. He was too far from the man. As for taking photos, thank God for the photogs who manage to keep their wits, and their camera, about them when amazing and terrible things occur. These images will help scientists to study the tsunami itself, as well as chronicle history. You can tell people stories all you want, but "a picture's worth a thousand words." Bravo, Mr. Issels, for capturing some of the most dramatic and powerful photographs the world has ever seen.

Abigail		30-Dec-2004 19:06
It says ON THIS SITE, that the man featured in images VA7U0477, VA7U478, and VA7U479, was pulled from the water approximately 5 seconds after VA7U479 was taken. I would tend to believe the information from the same website before info from some unaffiliated source. Regarding the people who state the photographer is insensitive because he didn't try to help, he couldn't have. He was too far from the man. As for taking photos, thank God for the photogs who manage to keep their wits, and their camera, about them when amazing and terrible things occur. These images will help scientists to study the tsunami itself, as well as chronicle history. You can tell people stories all you want, but "a picture's worth a thousand words." Bravo, Mr. Issels, for capturing some of the most dramatic and powerful photographs the world has ever seen.

dickheads sitting at home		30-Dec-2004 17:42
I can understand why you want to critise poor Helmut. Don't know why the guy stood on his balcony taking photos. He should have tied a rope to his leg and hung just above the water saving people. it's easy. almost as easy as sitting on your fat arse at home typing out stupid fucked up messages about situations you can't have any real comprehension of.

dickheads sitting at home		30-Dec-2004 17:40
I can understand why you want to critise poor Helmut. Don't know why the guy stood on his balcony taking photos. He should have tied a rope to his leg and hung just above the water saving people. it's easy. almost as easy as sitting on your fat arse at home typing out stupid fucked up messages about situations you can't have any real comprehension of.

Tony Blair		30-Dec-2004 17:34
What goes around comes around, to those who have made insensitive and inappropriate comments, life has a mysterious way of repaying in kind. Remember that. At this sad time our hearts and minds go out to those who have suffered and lost their family members.

marloue		30-Dec-2004 13:15
I thought he was pulled out of the water. TOO BAD THE MAN DIED, acc to thishttp://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2004601615,00.html

Sawadeeka		30-Dec-2004 11:41
If anyone ever needs to take a photo of a guy drowning -- please note Hellmut Issels lets us know it's best to shoot 1/400s f/7.1 at 70.0mm iso100. Now if you are shooting debris, or a water logged corpse your shutterspeed and f-stop will be completely different. Please do not save these people, I am trying to photograph them!!! Gosh, I hope he'll allow us to order frameable prints from this gallery. Where's the link to click?

Phuket looter		30-Dec-2004 09:36
Those water rapids will have cleaned his skid marked undies

Elizabeth		30-Dec-2004 07:53
I believe that this is not the same man as in the previous two photographs and I heard that someone pulled this guy out.

C Craft		30-Dec-2004 07:35
All I can say is that I completely agree with what was said about the moronic and insensitive comments posted. The only sliver of hope is that the comments were posted prior to someone mentioning that this individual had in fact died. That's not to say that makes it any better but perhaps the gravity of the situation had not yet sunk in with some people or perhaps its the way some people are dealing with this horrible tragedy. The other piece I would caution people on is to NOT post something that cannot be proven -- how do we really know that this individual did in fact die. I have a hard time believing that someone has proof of this. Lets hope he was one of the fortunate ones.

pete		30-Dec-2004 07:05
To everyone making those stupid comments, Karma is a bitch. There is no need for the heartless comments, that could have easily been you or your loved one in different disaster.

jane		30-Dec-2004 05:11
Jeff and that other idiot, you guys are sick and so antisocial. How would you like your brother,sister mother father struggling for their lives. You guys are criminals and deserve to be in gaol(thats if you havent been alreadyy) you scum buckets. God bless all. I personally have been affected by this alot.

Zicky		30-Dec-2004 04:54
Pointedly to Jeff & Guest - what is wrong with you guys?? Don't you feel the pain of this diaster with at least now 70,000 people confirmed dead (may include the guy in the picture)? If you don't want others to call you names, stop being insensitive pricks and make snide comments which is not at all necessary at this time of a devastating diaster. Anybody in their right mind will be praying for the victims who are still alive and not say things like "my daughter has taken more dangerous baths than this...." if this is true, prove it!! take a picture of her in a bath MORE DANGEROUS than this and post it on the net to let all of us take a look at it! You should instead focus your anger/energy (whatever is in you now) to instead try and see if you can contribute in ANY WAY - like buying medicine or giving even $10) to your nearby red cross! So stop being a ^pricks and have some empathy!

Zicky		30-Dec-2004 04:53
Pointedly to Jeff & Guest - what is wrong with you guys?? Don't you feel the pain of this diaster with at least now 70,000 people confirmed dead (may include the guy in the picture)? If you don't want others to call you names, stop being insensitive pricks and make snide comments which is not at all necessary at this time of a devastating diaster. Anybody in their right mind will be praying for the victims who are still alive and not say things like "my daughter has taken more dangerous baths than this...." if this is true, prove it!! take a picture of her in a bath MORE DANGEROUS than this and post it on the net to let all of us take a look at it! You should instead focus your anger/energy (whatever is in you now) to instead try and see if you can contribute in ANY WAY - like buying medicine or giving even $10) to your nearby red cross! So stop being a ^pricks and have some empathy!

Guest		30-Dec-2004 03:29
There seem to be two types of people posting what can only be termed "pathetic" comments regarding these pictures. The first is the plague of the Internet: cowards. They post anonymous outrageous comments that they wouldn't have the guts to remotely say out loud to any person face-to-face. The key is anonymous -- I guarantee they would never admit to mocking a man who we all know met his death. The second are those who feign outrage at the posting of these pictures and suggest that in the same situation they would have flung themselves down into raging waters in a futile and suicidal attempt to save others. If it wasn't so sad, such pontification would be laughable considering the accuser is writing from the comfort of a computer keyboard in a rich Western country. I for one am appreciative of the posting of these pictures. I do not have the inflated sense of self necessary to judge the actions of others in times of death. I found these pictures in search of understanding of the true nature of this tradegy. We in the West often live in a fantasy world about the real horrors of the world. We do not want to see pictures of the dead from this tragedy in the same way we are "protected" from seeing innocents beheaded in Iraq or the blown up bodies of children in Israel. Instead, we feel good passing "caring" resolutions at corrupt international institutions. Thank you Hellmut Issels. PS: To you accusers who have expressed outrage at the posting of these pictures and the supposed profiteering of a heartless photographer, exactly what were you in search of when you went looking for these pictures? Funny you go searching for pictures of an event where tens of thousands are killed and then express such revulsion at finding what you were looking for.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 02:17
This young man died...You are looking at the last moments of a human life. His body was found about a mile inland. "Jesus answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?" (Matt. 16:2-3)

Guest		29-Dec-2004 21:10
This website was linked by America Online, so of course the site will get clowns like the a**hole who wrote "cowabunga" ... you sick fvck what if that was you

werner		29-Dec-2004 18:13
Hellmuth um Gotte Willen warum hast Du tatenlos zugesehen wie deiser Mann ertrunken ist ? Warum hast Du nur mit Deiner Scheiß Kamera Bilder gemacht ? Hast Du denn überhaupt kein Gewissen ? Du bist eine Schande für alle Deutschen. So etwas wird auch noch ausgeflogen. Unglaublich.

sven		29-Dec-2004 17:14
My heart goes out to all who are there...tourists and residents.God help you all!

leo		29-Dec-2004 16:54
i have the same feeling with tom. life is much much more precious than photos.

Oliver Knoll		29-Dec-2004 11:56
"My 2-year old daughter has taken baths that are more dangerous." Jeff, you're A REAL ASSHOLE, too!!! Actually you topped Mitch. That makes you the ASSHOLE OF THIS PLANET!!! I whish I could hit you on your head real hard!!

tom		29-Dec-2004 11:13
It is hard to beleive that people took this picture instead of trying to figure out how to help this guy. May be heroes do not last but photographers do!

oah		29-Dec-2004 08:52
how can people (posters) be so revolting?

Bill		29-Dec-2004 07:27
I read on another site that this man's body was found a kilometer away. No, he did not survive. :-(

Jeff		29-Dec-2004 05:37
My 2-year old daughter has taken baths that are more dangerous.

Travis		29-Dec-2004 05:36
COWWABUNGA DUDE!!!

Guest		29-Dec-2004 01:47
this guy looks like he's enjoying himself.

an insensitive prick		28-Dec-2004 22:34
The new ad for jimmy's supper happy slip n' slide family fun water park.

Guest		28-Dec-2004 19:29
he survived.

Guest		28-Dec-2004 13:21
Did the person on the picture survive ? Ed Askmo

Guest		28-Dec-2004 13:21
Did the person on the picture survive ? Ed Askmo

Maria		28-Dec-2004 12:56
I don't want people to see in this situation, even bad people. I think, the SECOND END OF LIVING is coming. We must be together, and GOD will save us. We must believe and we will be ok. Politics never must be on the first place. Thank you for understanding.

Antoine Pace		28-Dec-2004 10:23
Were you aware that this and a number of your other photographs were reproduced in a Melbourne newspaper today? I am assuming that they obtained your permission.

Chris Combs		28-Dec-2004 04:44
Amazing shot. Stay safe.

Guest		28-Dec-2004 00:46
Judging by the man's position he appeared to be standing on the furthest picture and the images were getting larger as he was being swept up by the tsunami, so he was probably washed towards the land thats probably a different man found at sea.

Margy		28-Dec-2004 00:41
From what our newspaper has said (Courier Mail Brisbane Australia) is this man's body was found washed out to sea :(

sum dum gook		27-Dec-2004 23:12
sucks to be this poor bastard!

Greg		27-Dec-2004 20:28
Is someone going to help that guy? or just take pictures and laugh at him?

Guest		27-Dec-2004 06:42
Probably not.