AI Image
Cruise ship pianist rescued from sea after nine hours in Pacific Ocean
BBC • • nation
Key Points:
- A Royal Caribbean cruise ship pianist was found treading water approximately 20 miles off the Californian coast near Catalina Island after falling overboard, possibly spending nine hours in the Pacific Ocean.
- Two fishermen discovered the man and rescued him; he was taken to hospital in stable condition, and the US Coast Guard is investigating the incident.
- The man identified himself as a pianist on the Ovation of the Seas, a 14-deck cruise ship, and expressed relief, saying, "Thank you. I thought I was gonna die."
- Lifeguard officials believe he fell overboard around 2:30 AM and noted that unusually warm water temperatures, around 76°F (24°C) due to a strong El Niño event, likely contributed to his survival.
- The current El Niño is the strongest on record, raising Pacific Ocean temperatures by approximately 3.05°C above average, which may have played a critical role in the man's endurance.
