Surfer thanks his rescuers after 30-hour ordeal at sea
A SURFER who survived more than 30 hours stranded at sea on his board has hailed his rescuers as heroes.
Matthew Bryce, 22, was reported missing by family when he failed to return from a Sunday morning surf off the Argyll coast of Scotland.
The 22-year-old was eventually found by a search and rescue helicopter at around 7.30pm on Monday, drifting in the North Channel, 13 miles from Northern Ireland and 16 miles from Scottish shores.
The Glaswegian was flown to Belfast, where he is currently recovering from hypothermia.
“I am so grateful that I am now receiving treatment in hospital,” said Mr Bryce. “I cannot thank those enough who rescued and cared for me – they are all heroes.”
The surfer had last been seen at around 9am on Sunday in the St Catherines area of Argyll.
Police Scotland and the Coastguard launched a search, with rescue teams from Campbeltown, Southend, Gigha, Tarbert and Port Ellen involved, as well as colleagues on the other side of the North Channel.
John Bryce, Matthew’s father, also expressed his gratitude.
“The past 48 hours have been an absolute rollercoaster of emotions for our family and we are so grateful that Matthew has been found safe and well,” he said.
“To get that call from the police last night to say that he was alive was unbelievable.”