A fisherman in New Zealand survived a perilous 24-hour ordeal in the ocean after falling overboard while trying to catch a marlin. He was more than 30 miles off the North Island when he fell and his boat drifted away. He attempted to swim to the nearest island but was pulled further out to sea by strong currents, and he even had a brief encounter with a shark that night.
The next day, cold and exhausted, the fisherman spotted a fishing vessel about a half mile away and used his wristwatch to reflect the sunlight toward the ship. Fortunately, he caught the attention of the three fishermen onboard, leading to his rescue. The rescuers pulled him onto their boat, warmed him up, and gave him water and cranberry juice while they transported him back to shore.
Whangamatā Police Sergeant Will Hamilton describes the rescue as an “absolute miracle.” The fisherman was treated for hypothermia and exhaustion and is expected to fully recover. Although his boat has not been found, authorities are searching for it. The man did manage to keep his watch, which was instrumental in his rescue. He expressed gratitude for his rescuers and emergency services.
Source: CNN