A Vietnamese man, who had spent nearly 24 hours floating in the sea after falling off a cargo ship, was rescued by two Australian fishermen off the coast of Newcastle on Friday evening. The man, a crew member of the Singaporean-flagged cargo ship Double Delight, fell overboard at around 11:30 PM on Thursday, prompting a large-scale search operation involving helicopters and boats. Despite the efforts, no trace was found until the man was spotted around 6:20 PM on Friday, about 8 kilometers from where he had fallen, near Blacksmiths Beach.
The two fishermen, Dr. Glen Valaire and his companion, were on a recreational fishing trip when they saw the man waving in the water. Describing the rescue as an “absolute miracle,” Dr. Valaire explained that the man was extremely fatigued, cold, and had a weak pulse. The fishermen immediately pulled him aboard, provided blankets and water, and contacted emergency services.
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Paramedics from NSW Ambulance arrived shortly afterward, and the man, in his 20s, was treated for suspected hypothermia and dehydration. Despite his exhaustion, he was conscious and able to communicate. He was later transported to John Hunter Hospital, where his condition was reported as serious but stable. The man was found with a plastic bag containing his ID, wallet, and cigarettes.
The rescue came after a failed search by authorities using two helicopters and two boats. The fishermen, unaware of the search, unknowingly rescued the man. The NSW Police have referred the case to the Australian Border Force, which is investigating the incident. This remarkable rescue underscores the dangers of life at sea and the crucial role the fishermen played in saving the man’s life.
