Miracle at Sea: Moroccan Diver Survives 170km Drift, Rescued Off Spanish Coast

The young diver drifted about 170 km from Morocco to Spain on Wednesday, August 20. Two days later, the crew members on board a merchant ship bound for Portugal spotted him about 44.45 nautical miles off the coast of Caleta de Vélez, on the Spanish Costa del Sol, reports The SUN. They immediately alerted the authorities. A helicopter was quickly deployed to the scene for a spectacular rescue. Images taken from the helicopter show the operation.

The 23-year-old man was rushed to Motril, on the Spanish Costa Tropical, which has an emergency heliport, allowing him to be taken directly to the hospital. At the hospital, he was semi-conscious and suffering from dehydration. He remained under observation last Saturday. He should return to Morocco once released from the hospital.

In a statement to the police, the young diver said he had been swept out to sea since Wednesday afternoon. He explained that he was diving off Fnideq when powerful currents carried him away. He had just lost sight of his group of friends. He showed signs of hypothermia. But he was miraculously stable.