Surgeon Pavel Pafko survives kayaking accident on Vltava

Pavel Pafko, an 86-year-old renowned Czech surgeon and former head of Motol surgery, survived a near-fatal kayaking accident on the Vltava river. While paddling, waves created by three passing boats caused his kayak to capsize, throwing him into 13-degree Celsius water.

According to reports, bystanders on the shore and other passing vessels did not immediately offer assistance as the professor struggled in the cold water and wind. He was eventually rescued by a rescuer identified as Dan, a helicopter pilot, who pulled him from the water and provided assistance.

Pafko, who has performed approximately 13,000 surgeries including 100 lung transplants, is reported to be in good health following the incident. His wife, Hana Pafková, noted that despite the severity of the situation, he managed to return his equipment to the boathouse and continue his active lifestyle.