After a doctor's inspection, it was concluded that an Australian sailor who endured two months in the Pacific Ocean, relying on raw fish and rainwater for sustenance, is "stable and very well," BBC reports.
Tim Shaddock, a 51-year-old Sydney resident, embarked on his voyage from Mexico to French Polynesia with his dog Bella in April. However, their boat suffered damage during a storm a few weeks later, leaving them stranded.
They were finally rescued this week when a helicopter spotted them and alerted a trawler. The doctor aboard the tuna trawler confirmed that the man's vital signs are normal.
Mr. Shaddock's journey covered over 6,000 km (3,728 miles) from Mexico's city of La Paz. His vessel's electronics were disabled by bad weather, leaving him adrift in the vast and harsh North Pacific Ocean, surviving on the catch from fishing. When they were found off Mexico's coast two months later, he appeared noticeably thinner with an overgrown beard.
In a video obtained by 9News, Mr. Shaddock expressed his difficult ordeal at sea and his need for rest and proper food after being alone at sea for an extended period. Despite the challenges, he stated that his health is in very good condition.
During his time at sea, fishing gear and sheltering under the boat's canopy helped him and his dog survive. He managed to avoid sunburn by taking cover. After the rescue, he was seen smiling and wearing a blood pressure monitor on his arm, and he is capable of consuming small meals.
The tuna trawler is now returning to Mexico, where Mr. Shaddock will undergo medical tests and receive further treatment if necessary.
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