Sailor who fell from cargo ship found safe after almost 24 hours at sea
A man who fell from a cargo ship has survived nearly 24 hours at sea before being rescued about three kilometres off a beach south of Newcastle.
The man went overboard about 11.30pm on Thursday, 8 kilometres off the Newcastle coast, and was rescued by a recreational fisherman who saw him waving his arms around about 6.20pm on Friday near Blacksmiths Beach close to Swansea.
The man was found floating off the NSW coastCredit: Rescue captain
Earlier reports said the man swam 8 kilometres to shore but this was clarified later as he was spotted floating in the water off Blacksmith Beach.
The Newcastle Harbourmaster notified the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) that a crew member from bulk carrier Double Delight had gone overboard at 11am on Friday.
Two helicopters and two boats searched for the man.
A NSW Ambulance spokeswoman said they were called to Boatrowers Reserve at Blacksmiths Beach near Swansea after reports that a man had been found in the water.
“The patient, a man in his 20s, reportedly was in the water for about 24 hours,” the spokeswoman said. “He was wearing a life jacket, he was conscious, he was able to communicate with us [but] he was very cold [and] absolutely exhausted,” she said.
“Being in his twenties probably helped him quite a bit. He wasn’t really complaining a lot, he was just relieved.”
He was treated at the scene by paramedics for suspected hypothermia and dehydration before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
