CNN
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A fisherman who spent nearly 24 hours in cold, choppy waters off the coast of New Zealand after falling overboard and attracting the attention of sharks was rescued off the coast of New Zealand on Wednesday after using the reflection of his watch to signal for help.
Whangamata Police Sergeant Will Hamilton said in a statement that the “absolutely miraculous” rescue happened after the unnamed angler went fishing alone in a 40-foot boat on Tuesday. Stated.
The fisherman fell into the ocean about 30 nautical miles (55 kilometers) off the coast of New Zealand’s North Island while trying to reel in the marlin, the statement said.
With the boat drifting out of reach, the fishermen tried to swim to the nearby Alderman Islands, but were dragged into the strong current.
Hamilton said he endured a cold night at sea, exhausted and unable to keep swimming, adding that at one point the shark came to “sniff him” before leaving.
“It is an absolute miracle that this fisherman is still alive after his ordeal,” Mr Hamilton said.
Incredibly, the next day, three fishermen noticed the reflection in the water and went out in their boats to investigate, and the fishermen were saved.
Hamilton said they found a stranded man desperately trying to get attention by using the sun’s reflections from the watch.
He was taken back to Whangamata and treated for hypothermia and fatigue.
“If it hadn’t been for the quick actions of the three gentlemen who rescued him, there is no doubt that this would have ended tragically,” Mr Hamilton said.
Rescue worker James McDonnell told CNN affiliate NewShub that the three fishermen “felt like they saw a shiny object maybe 2,000 feet away” from their boat, before “a series of lucky… “The incident” led to the incredible rescue.
They did not expect to find anyone.
“So we were 10 miles (16 kilometers) off the back side of Meyer Island and we couldn’t see any boats, but sure enough, as we got closer, it was obvious that someone was waving their arms,” he said. Told.
Rescue boat captain Max White told Newshub his priority was to get the man on board, wake him up and keep him warm.
“We had a big cooler bag and wrapped him in as many layers as we could,” he said.
“He wants water…so I got him some hot water and cranberry juice in the boat…give him what we can, let him talk, keep him awake as much as possible. Please Confirm.”
Police said the fisherman wanted to express his gratitude to his rescuers and emergency services.
“The boat company did a really great job and definitely saved this man’s life,” Hamilton said.
Authorities are now searching the fisherman’s boat, but he managed to hold on to the only thing that offered a glimmer of hope during the ordeal.
“The boat may be missing, but the fisherman still has his watch,” Hamilton said.
