A man who fell off a cargo ship has survived almost 24 hours at sea after reportedly swimming more than 8 kilometres to a beach south of Newcastle.
The man fell overboard at about 11.30pm on Thursday, 8km off the Newcastle coast, and was rescued by a recreational fisherman about 6.30pm on Friday at Blacksmiths Beach near Swansea.
The Newcastle Harbourmaster notified the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) that the crew member had gone overboard at 11am on Friday.
Two helicopters and two boats searched for the man.
A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said they were called to Boatrowers Reserve at Blacksmiths Beach near Swansea about 6.30pm on Friday after reports a crew member of the Double Delight was found in the water.
“The patient, a man in his 30s, reportedly was in the water for about 24 hours,” the spokesperson said.
“He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for suspected hypothermia before being taken by road to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.”
Read the full article here
