A man who spent nearly 24 hours at sea in New Zealand alerted rescuers by using his watch to reflect the sun's rays.
Police said it was an “absolute miracle” that the man – who has not been named – survived after falling from his 40ft (12m) boat during a solo fishing trip on Tuesday.
He said the boat capsized after catching a suspected marlin.
Police said the man endured a cold night in the ocean and even came face-to-face with a shark that came “to sniff.”
He attempted to swim 55 kilometers to the Alderman Islands off the country's northeast New Zealandbut soon became exhausted and continued to be dragged away by the currents.
The man was eventually rescued after three fishermen – named by police as Taylor, Mike and James – decided to investigate after they noticed an unusual reflection in the water.
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They discovered that the man was desperately trying to get their attention by using the sun's reflection on his watch.
The first words the man said during his rescue were: “Glad to see you,” one fisherman told the New Zealand Herald.
Police said: “It is an absolute miracle that the fisherman is still alive after this ordeal. Had it not been for the quick actions of the three gentlemen who recovered him, this would certainly have had a tragic outcome.”
Police said the man's survival was an “absolute miracle.” Image: Brainfly
“The boaters did an absolutely excellent job and saved this man's life without a doubt.”
The man was rushed to Whangamata Marina, where he was treated for hypothermia and exhaustion.
The location of his boat remains unknown, and others are encouraged to report any potential sightings.
He thanked both the police and the “sharp-eyed trio” after the rescue.
