Newport County, Calif. – Two commercial fishermen, Grant Garrett and Sean Norton, rescued a crew member from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship after the man spent about nine hours treading water in the Pacific Ocean. The rescue took place roughly 20 miles off the California coast on Friday morning.
Rescue details
Garrett and Norton said they spotted the man while navigating the waters near the coast. “I’m like, ‘Yeah, it’s a human being. Stop the boat; let’s get all of our lines in,'” Garrett recalled. The pair each grabbed an arm and lifted the man aboard their vessel.
“He was in total shock,” Norton added. “The only thing he said to me was, ‘Thank you. I thought I was gonna die.'” The rescued individual identified himself as a pianist on the Royal Caribbean ship Ovation of the Seas.
Why he survived
According to Norton, the unusually warm water temperatures associated with a strong El Niño year helped keep the man alive. “You have this crazy super El Niño year. This guy was in the water for probably 10 hours, but the water’s 76 degrees,” he said. “A different year, no way he makes it.”
Newport County officials estimate the pianist went overboard about nine hours before he was found. He is expected to survive, and Royal Caribbean has confirmed it is providing support and assistance to the crew member during this difficult time, while respecting his privacy.
Community response
The incident highlights the bravery of local fishermen who routinely work the Pacific waters and are ready to assist anyone in distress. Their quick action prevented a potential tragedy and underscores the importance of community vigilance along California’s coastline.
Authorities from the U.S. Coast Guard and Newport County lifeguards have been contacted for comment, and the rescue is being reviewed as part of standard maritime safety procedures.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
