Lucky Escape

Tinytony

90 minutes in the water without a bouyancy aid is some going. The man is very lucky to be alive.

From todays Indo:

A MAN who slipped and fell into the sea while shore angling miraculously survived by treading water for about 90 minutes until a rescue helicopter arrived and winched him to safety.

The man, who was fishing on Achill Island, Co Mayo on Saturday, survived despite spending such a marathon period in the water without a lifejacket or other buoyancy aid.

One rescuer said yesterday: "He certainly is a very lucky man."

The Englishman in his 40s, who is from the Birmingham area, was treated for hypothermia at Mayo General Hospital.

Along with a companion, he went shore fishing at a place known locally as White Stone Quarry near Dugort on the north side of Achill Island.

Shortly after 2pm the man slipped into the sea and could not get out again because of a steep, slippery, incline.

Sea conditions were "rough" at the time with a Force 4 or Force 5 wind blowing. The man was quickly swept out to sea by a strong current.

The Sligo-based coastguard rescue helicopter landed the casualty at Mayo General Hospital where he made a good recovery.

Gunth

I agree with you that he is a lucky man. Treading water for 90 minutes is impressive. Would this be possible if he was wearing chest waders? Personally I doubt it.