Tim Shaddock, 51, of Sydney, and his dog Bella departed for French Polynesia from Mexico in April, but their boat was wrecked by a storm a few weeks later. This week, a trawler came to their aid when a helicopter spotted them. According to Australia’s 9News, the man had “normal vital signs” when he was examined by the doctor aboard the tuna trawler. From the city of La Paz in Mexico, Shaddock set out on his more than 6,000km (3,728-mile) journey but soon found himself trapped when the electronics of his ship were cut off by heavy weather. The sailor and his dog were left drifting in the huge and unfriendly North Pacific Ocean. The Australian sailor survived two months in the Pacific Ocean by eating raw fish and drinking rainwater.
Fishing equipment was crucial to his survival, says the sailor
When they were finally found off Mexico‘s coast two months later, he was far leaner and sporting an overgrown beard “I have been through a very difficult ordeal at sea,” the sailor said in a video obtained by 9News. “I’m just needing rest and good food because I have been alone at sea a long time. Otherwise, I’m in very good health.” Fishing equipment, according to Shaddock, was crucial to his survival. He also avoided being sunburned by hiding under the cover of his boat. He was seen happy and sporting a blood pressure monitor on his arm shortly after being saved. He can also consume tiny meals. The tuna trawler is currently returning to Mexico, where Shaddock will undergo examinations and, if necessary, additional treatment.
