Joseph Blankson was riding a boat in his hometown when it suddenly hit an object and capsized, throwing many overboard, AllAfrica reports.

Known for being a strong swimmer, Blankson reacted quickly and immediately began searching for his fellow passengers. In short order, he managed to carry 13 people to safety on the shore.

Unfortunately, tired out from his first 13 rescues, Blankson succumbed to exhaustion while attempting to save a 14th person, drowning and losing his life.

Rivers State police spokesperson Nnamdi Omoni told CNN that Blankson was the only casualty of the 24 people who experienced the boat accident. Following Blankson's Herculean effort, others, including nearby boat drivers, arrived on scene to save the remaining 10 people. Those rescued included Blankson's sisters.

"I was at home waiting for him to come back from work because he works on Saturdays," said Joseph's wife Mercy, who is now a widow left with the couple's four-year-old son and seven-month-old daughter. "From work, he went to the village, and when I called him at 2 pm, his phone was switched off."

The Blankson family lives in Port Harcourt, where Blankson worked for an energy company. He'd gone back to his hometown for a quick visit when the accident occurred.

"My son has been asking me about his dad. If I'm talking to someone on the phone, he says, 'Mummy is that my daddy? Mummy, can I see my dad?" Mercy Blankson continued. "Normally when [my husband] travels we do video calls. This past Saturday, a week after he left, my son was really down. He felt everything emotionally. And my daughter has been crying because she knows something is wrong."

As Joseph Blankson was the family's breadwinner, Mercy is hoping she can rely on government assistance until she can find work to support her children. Although she worries about her son and daughter and is heartbroken over her loss, she said she wants everyone to remember Joseph for the selfless man he was.

"He was a loving and caring man, a very good father to our kids. He put people first, before himself. He was selfless," said Mercy.

36 year old Joseph Blankson gave his life for those passengers. 13 times he swam to rescue. 13 times he saved a soul. At the 14 attempt, God Almighty gave him eternal rest. May his legacy of selfless service continue to inspire us. https://t.co/xVGWg9BjFn

— Amara Nwankpa (@Nwankpa_A) August 6, 2018

Every now and then we hear amazing stories of Nigerian heroes. Joseph Blankson gave his life to save 13 people. I salute this Nigerian hero who by his last great act, showed us, once again, that we have remarkable people across this nation. His memory will be writ in gold. https://t.co/rQjMQPCi8z

— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) August 6, 2018

Rest in power, Joseph Blankson.

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Mercy Blankson

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