One very lucky sailor who fell overboard

[Concerto]

This sailor was very lucky to be rescued by his own ship after falling overboard. No one realised he was missing for 6 hours before the ship turned round to look for him. The sailor had been in the water without a lifejacket for 14 hours but luckily found a fishing float to cling to.
Sailor survives 14 hours in Pacific Ocean clinging to 'sea rubbish' - Marine Industry News

 

[Frogmogman]

That's one very lucky guy.

Astonishing story, thanks for posting.

 

[C08]

He helped save himself by swimming some distance to the floating buoy. Self help is a big part of it. Pleased it turned out so well for him.

 

[JumbleDuck]

That's one very lucky guy.

Astonishing story, thanks for posting.

I think I prefer "incredible". He spotted an 18" diameter fishing float from "several kilometres away"?

 

[RupertW]

I think I prefer "incredible". He spotted an 18" diameter fishing float from "several kilometres away"?

He said “black dot on the sea” so I wonder whether the reporter just googled how far way the horizon is.

 

[capnsensible]

If a 'lucky sailor' falls overboard, what is an 'unlucky' one?

 

[Frogmogman]

He said “black dot on the sea” so I wonder whether the reporter just googled how far way the horizon is.

Maybe it just seemed like it was several kilmetres away.....

 

[mjcoon]

He said “black dot on the sea” so I wonder whether the reporter just googled how far way the horizon is.

What is the altitude of your best eye before you have got to the float?

 

[Biggles Wader]

If a 'lucky sailor' falls overboard, what is an 'unlucky' one?

The one who has to do a turn in the barrel.

 

[[3889]]

If a 'lucky sailor' falls overboard, what is an 'unlucky' one?

Well, a miraculous pope is one who is shot but the bullet misses his heart so I guess lucky has a pretty low threshold.

 

[Hot Property]

This reminds me of when a sailor jumped overboard in the bay of biscay at night time back in the 80's. Took a few hours to discover he was missing, whole ship search couldn't find him. Retraced steps with 260 people on deck looking out plus rigid raider and Lynx up.

Eventually found him floating with a sandwich in a bag, tied to his leg in case he got hungry. Quick check up then swiftly flown off for some convalescence. Lucky guy.....

 

[Bajansailor]

He is a very lucky chap indeed.

I am a bit dubious though as to how he fell overboard - even if he was leaning on the rail, if he fainted, I would have thought that more of him (and his centre of gravity) would still be inside the rail. And rails are fairly high on ships.

The Silver Supporter is a very impressive ship - and on a nice supply run to Pitcairn.
SILVER SUPPORTER (General Cargo) Registered in Gibraltar - Vessel details, Current position and Voyage information - IMO 9165944, MMSI 236578000, Call Sign ZDJY7

 

[Hot Property]

He is a very lucky chap indeed.

I am a bit dubious though as to how he fell overboard - even if he was leaning on the rail, if he fainted, I would have thought that more of him (and his centre of gravity) would still be inside the rail. And rails are fairly high on ships.

The Silver Supporter is a very impressive ship - and on a nice supply run to Pitcairn.
SILVER SUPPORTER (General Cargo) Registered in Gibraltar - Vessel details, Current position and Voyage information - IMO 9165944, MMSI 236578000, Call Sign ZDJY7

He didn't fall - he jumped!!