A cruise ship pianist was rescued after treading water in the Pacific Ocean for approximately nine hours, roughly 20 miles off the coast of California, according to US media reports.
Two fishermen spotted the Royal Caribbean employee near Catalina Island on Friday, officials said. The rescue occurred after the man fell overboard from the cruise ship, with authorities suggesting he was in the water for up to nine hours before being found.
“I’m like, ‘Yeah, it’s a human being. Stop the boat; let’s get all of our lines in,'” Grant Garrett recalled the moment he and Sean Norton spotted the man struggling in the water.
The unidentified man was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. The US Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
The fishermen reported that the survivor identified himself as a pianist aboard the 14-deck cruise ship, the *Ovation of the Seas*.
“The only thing he said to me was, ‘Thank you. I thought I was gonna die,'” Norton shared, reflecting on the emotional encounter.
According to the Coast Guard, the rescue was initiated following a report from a Good Samaritan who recovered a conscious individual from the open ocean.
The survivor was transferred to Newport Beach Lifeguards, who confirmed his employment with the *Ovation of the Seas*. Officials believe he fell overboard around 02:30, approximately nine hours prior to his discovery.
“It was approximately 15 to 20 miles offshore, pretty much in the middle of the ocean,” Newport Beach Lifeguard Battalion Chief Adam Yacenda noted.
Fisherman Norton attributed the man’s survival to unusually warm ocean temperatures brought on by a strong El Niño pattern. “You have this crazy super El Niño year. This guy was in the water for probably 10 hours, but the water’s 76 degrees,” Norton explained, noting the temperature equated to about 24°C.
“A different year, no way he makes it,” Norton added.
Scientists monitoring the Pacific noted that the developing El Niño climate phenomenon is one of the strongest on record, with ocean temperatures averaging about 3.05°C above normal.
In a statement provided to the BBC, a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson confirmed they are offering support and assistance to the crew member during this difficult time.
“To respect the privacy of our employee, we have no additional details to share,” the spokesperson added.
