In a shocking incident, a 57-year-old Taiwanese man, Mr. Hong, found himself adrift in the middle of the ocean on Sunday, July 7, after dozing off in a swimming ring the previous evening.
According to reports, Mr. Hong had gone to Wanli Beach in New Taipei City to unwind after work on Saturday, June 6. After enjoying a few drinks with friends, he decided to take a solo dip in the sea, accompanied only by a swimming ring.
As he soaked in the seawater, he reportedly felt so comfortable that he soon fell asleep. When he woke up, he was horrified to find himself floating in the open sea, with no land in sight.
Despite his terror, Mr. Hong managed to remain calm and continued to float in the sea, waiting for rescue. His ordeal lasted for an astonishing 19 hours, until a passing fishing boat spotted him at around 1:30 pm on Sunday.
The fishermen quickly threw out a lifebuoy to rescue Mr. Hong and notified the fire department of the incident. Personnel from the New Taipei City Fire Department arrived on the scene and transported him to the hospital for treatment.
In a surprising turn of events, when the ambulance reached the emergency room, Mr. Hong reported that he felt in good health and decided to leave without receiving further medical attention.
This incredible story serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety, especially when engaging in water activities. It is fortunate that Mr. Hong’s ordeal ended without serious consequences, and his calm demeanor in the face of danger is certainly commendable.