Seaman rescued after over 20 hours at sea off Australia’s east coast

A seaman was saved after enduring over 20 hours adrift in the waters off Australia’s east coast, highlighting a dramatic rescue effort.

A seaman who fell from a cargo ship survived nearly 20 hours in the sea before being rescued off Australia's southeastern coast on Friday, according to emergency services.

Local rescue authorities reported that the man, in his 30s, drifted several kilometers in open waters before being saved by a recreational angler. He was last seen aboard the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier Double Delight at 11:30 p.m. on Thursday. Details about how he fell remain unknown.

The New South Wales Ambulance service received reports of the rescue at 6:20 p.m. on Friday from Boatrowers Reserve, near Blacksmiths Beach, south of Newcastle. “The man was conscious, breathing, and alert when paramedics treated him for suspected hypothermia. He was later transported to John Hunter Hospital in serious but stable condition,” the ambulance service said in a statement.

Paramedic Erin Laughton told 9News that the man was spotted three-and-a-half kilometers out to sea, waving for help and floating in the water.“He wore a life jacket, was conscious, able to communicate, but extremely cold, hypothermic, and utterly exhausted,” she added. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed that the sailor reportedly went overboard the previous evening, about 8 kilometers southeast of Newcastle.

AMSA deployed water police, marine rescue units, two sea vessels, and two helicopters for the operation. Jason Richards of NSW Marine Rescue told 9News they initially didn’t know how long the man had been in the water. “When we learned he’d been missing since 11:30 p.m., it intensified the search. Hearing he was found alive was fantastic,” he said.

For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: CNN ‍