Leonardo DiCaprio and Friends Help Save a Man’s Life After Dramatic Overboard Rescue
Leonardo DiCaprio proved he’s a hero both on and off the screen after helping save a man’s life during a dramatic maritime rescue near St. Barts.
The Oscar-winning actor was vacationing with friends and his girlfriend, Camila Morrone, aboard a rented yacht on December 30 when an emergency call came through. A man had reportedly fallen overboard from a nearby Club Med yacht after drinking and had been missing at sea for hours.
According to a source who spoke exclusively to PEOPLE, DiCaprio and his group immediately chose to assist.
“Leo and his friends and their boat captain decided to join the search, and their efforts resulted in helping save a man’s life,” the source revealed.
The situation was critical. The unidentified man had been treading water for nearly 11 hours, drifting alone in rough conditions. Remarkably, DiCaprio’s boat was the only vessel searching in the exact area where the man had drifted.
Just one hour before sunset, and moments before a heavy rainstorm moved in, the man was finally spotted and pulled to safety.
“The boat crew were happy to try and assist — even more so that they were able to help get the man to safety,” the insider added.
Back to Hollywood After the Rescue
Only a week after the harrowing incident, DiCaprio had returned to Hollywood, shifting gears from lifesaving rescuer to award-season contender. He attended the Golden Globe Awards, where he was nominated for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.
Although the award ultimately went to Taron Egerton, DiCaprio still received one of the night’s most memorable moments thanks to longtime friend and costar Brad Pitt.
While accepting his award for Best Supporting Actor, Pitt delivered a humorous and heartfelt tribute:
“Before The Revenant, I used to watch, year after year, his costars accept awards and thank him profusely. I know why. He’s an all-star, he’s a gent, and I wouldn’t be here without you, man.”
Pitt ended with a playful nod to Titanic, joking:
“Still — I would have shared the raft.”
The dramatic rescue was first reported by The Sun, but later confirmed by PEOPLE.