St Leonards man Matt Kincaid in line for Australian Bravery Medal after saving man’s life

A Bellarine man has recounted his heroic efforts to save a Melbourne fisherman’s life after a ghastly boating accident, with his courage set to be recognised with a bravery medal.

Paramedics at the scene of a boating accident in St Leonards on the Bellarine Peninsula.

A Bellarine Peninsula man has recounted his heroic efforts to save a Melbourne fisherman’s life after a horrific boating accident, with his courage set to be formally recognised.

St Leonards tradie Matt Kincaid, 51, is being praised by friends and fishing companions of the man he saved, Nikola Jugivoc, with the Preston Northcote Anglers Club nominating him for an Australian Bravery Award.

Mr Kincaid found himself in the middle of a life-and-death scenario when he decided to take a walk in the picturesque seaside village in September last year.

Paramedics at the scene of a boating accident in St Leonards on the Bellarine Peninsula.

He found Mr Jugivoc, 66, face down in the water with his out-of-control boat “doing circles” next to him.

“He looked like a dead seal,” he said.

“I knew it wasn’t good.

“I didn’t think about, I just jumped in.”

Mr Kincaid described the graphic scene he was confronted with once he reached the man.

“I can remember when I grabbed him, it was like I could see his brain,” he said.

“He had a massive rip to his head.

“I just grabbed him from behind and started pulling him in.”

Five paramedic units arrived at the boat ramp and an emergency helicopter, with Mr Jugivoc flown to the Alfred hospital’s specialist head trauma unit.

Craigieburn man Nikola Jugivoc survived a brutal boating accident at St Leonards on the Bellarine Peninsula. Photo: Mark Murray.

Mr Jugivoc, who was in the coastal town preparing for a fishing competition, said he woke from his life-threatening coma after five days to find his distraught wife in tears.

“They thought I was not going to make it,” he said.

He credits Mr Kincaid with saving his life.

Preston and Northcote Angling Club president, Kevin Bamford, said the club was in the process of nominating the modest St Leonards “hero” with a bravery medal.

“We want to give him life membership to our club if he is a fisherman,” he said.

“We didn’t know the full story until ‘Nick’ came out of his coma, and there is no doubt Matt is a real hero.”

Mr Kincaid, who has spoken to Mr Jugivoc, said he didn’t think he would ever speak again such were his injuries.

“He is very lucky,” he said.

“I’m just glad to hear he is back fishing and doing what he loves.”

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Originally published as St Leonards man Matt Kincaid in line for Australian Bravery Medal after saving man’s life