A New Zealand man, identified as Will Fransen, cheated death after falling off a fishing boat and spending approximately 24 hours adrift in the open water. The incident unfolded near the Alderman Islands, off the northern coast of New Zealand, leaving Fransen battling not only the elements but also a close encounter with a shark, according to the report by The Mirror US. Whangamatā Police Sergeant Will Hamilton provided details of the harrowing ordeal in a recent news release. Fransen had embarked on a solo fishing expedition on January 2 aboard a 40-foot boat. The initial plan was to return on January 3, but fate took a drastic turn when Fransen hooked a sizable fish near the Alderman Islands, causing him to lose balance and tumble into the ocean.
Despite Fransen’s efforts to regain control of the boat, it meandered further out of reach, prompting him to attempt swimming towards the Alderman Islands. Unfortunately, strong currents impeded his progress, leaving him stranded in the open sea overnight. Hamilton revealed that during this harrowing experience, a shark approached Fransen but refrained from any aggression, merely inspecting the situation.
Fransen’s desperate situation took a fortunate turn around 2 pm local time the following day when three fishermen on another boat noticed an unusual reflection on the water near one of the islands. Upon closer inspection, they realised that the glimmer was emanating from Fransen’s watch as he sought their attention.
The fishermen promptly rescued Fransen and transported him to Whangamatā Marina, where emergency personnel were ready to provide assistance. The official police statement described Fransen as “hypothermic and exhausted” upon his return to dry land, the news agency added. No further details regarding his condition were provided.
The missing 40-foot boat is yet to be located. Authorities have disseminated information about the vessel to the Rescue Coordination Center, urging mariners to report any sightings of the empty powered boat.
Whangamatā Police Sergeant Will Hamilton expressed profound gratitude for the swift and decisive actions of the three fishermen, emphasising that their intervention played a pivotal role in averting a potential tragedy. The Mirror US quoted Hamilton as saying, “It is an absolute miracle the fisherman is still alive after the ordeal. Without the quick actions of the three gentlemen that retrieved him, this certainly would have had a tragic outcome.”
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