Man survives 24 hours adrift on jetski

Police are calling it the survival story of the year.

PASTED FROM TVNZ NEWS SITE 8.55am Sunday Jan 04 2009

A Christchurch man who spent 24-hours adrift on his broken down jetski is describing the ordeal as the scariest experience of his life, while police are calling it the survival story of the year.

Police say Nathan Maclure was 13 kilometres out from the Waimakariri River mouth when he was spotted by a Russian trawler at 7pm on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old says an unexpected storm blew up, making it impossible to get back to land and forcing him to spend the night in frigid waters.

Maclure says trying to stay warm and on the jetski through the hail and wind Friday night was a real task. He fixed himself to the craft with a rope to weather the storm, and danced and sang to keep himself warm and awake.

As well, he had some unexpected visitors on Saturday morning. When sharks started tapping on the bottom of the hull of his jetski, Maclure picked his feet up and simply hoped for the best.

Three eight-foot sharks devoured a school of jellyfish in his sight, as he held on for dear life.

When he waved his bright inflatable vest in an attempt to be seen, the Russian vessel intercepted him.


The trawler's crew lowered him a rope ladder and he clambered on board, where he had a shower and was given some dry clothes.

Police say Maclure is in good health, and the wetsuit he was wearing probably saved his life.


THIS IS ANOTHER REASON WHY WE HAVE TO HEAD OUT WITH THE APPRORIATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

what happened to the ski

Jet Ski Fishing is like sex ! you can do it alone buts its probably best to have at least one more person with you ! ( two more is even better ) Very lucky Stupid person I would suggest its guys like this that give us PWC owners a bad name.