Australian 'Cast Away' survives two months at sea with his dog

Twitter

An Australian sailor, who survived months at sea eating raw fish and drinking rainwater alongside his dog, is being compared to Tom Hanks' much-loved blockbuster "Cast Away".

Tim Shaddock, a 51-year-old sailor from Sydney, and his beloved dog Bella embarked on a journey from Mexico's La Paz to French Polynesia in April.

But a few weeks into the journey, they found themselves adrift in the vast and treacherous waters of the North Pacific Ocean after their boat sustained severe damage during a violent storm.

He was eventually spotted, after two months, by a helicopter that was operating with a tuna trawler.

In an update on Australia's 9News, a doctor, who was aboard the tuna trawler, said Shaddock's vital signs were within normal range and he's in stable condition.

In video footage, the sailor said he had "endured an exceedingly challenging ordeal at sea.

"I am in need of rest and nourishment as I have spent an extended period alone in the ocean. Otherwise, my overall health is robust."

Shaddock, who appeared noticeably thinner, attributed his survival to his resourcefulness, utilising fishing gear to procure sustenance, and seeking refuge from sunburn under the boat's canopy.

Shortly after his rescue, Shaddock was seen smiling while wearing a blood pressure monitor on his arm, indicating signs of relief and resilience. He is currently able to consume small meals.

The tuna trawler is presently en route to Mexico, where Shaddock will undergo medical evaluations and receive additional treatment if necessary.

More from Quirky

  • Japan launches first wooden satellite into space

    The world's first wooden satellite, built by Japanese researchers, was launched into space on Tuesday, in an early test of using timber in lunar and Mars exploration.

  • World’s largest captive crocodile dies at over 110

    Cassius, the 5.48-meter (18-foot) saltwater crocodile known as the world’s largest in captivity, has died at an estimated age of over 110 years, as reported by Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat in Australia.

  • T. Rex is at center of debate over dinosaur intelligence

    Surmising even the physical appearance of a dinosaur - or any extinct animal - based on its fossils is a tricky proposition, with so many uncertainties involved. Assessing a dinosaur's intelligence, considering the innumerable factors contributing to that trait, is exponentially more difficult.

  • Horses run amok in central London

    A number of horses are running amok in London and at least one person has been injured, with the army called in to help locate the animals, authorities in the British capital said on Wednesday.

  • Kishida delights Washington with promise of 250 cherry trees as gift

    Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida drew cheers and applause from US lawmakers on Thursday when he announced a plan to donate 250 cherry trees to the US capital to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US independence.