Dan Fitzgerald and Stu Fillman owe their survival to their scuba suits, which played a crucial role in their harrowing ordeal.
Their incredible rescue, captured on film, unfolded against the backdrop of the vast ocean where they drifted for an entire day and night, four kilometers from the nearest shore.
Without a life raft, their only lifeline was each other until salvation arrived from above this morning.
“They were relieved to see me,” rescue crew officer Alex Carroll recounted, describing the palpable sense of relief that washed over the men as he approached. “You could see the weight lift off their shoulders as they exclaimed, ‘Thank God you’re here.’”
The two divers, aged 43 and 45, had been exploring the waters around Flat Rock, north of Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island, when powerful currents swept them away from their vessel.
The men, aged 43 and 45, had been diving at Flat Rock, north of Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island, when strong currents pulled them away from their boat.
Those on board raised the alarm yesterday morning when they didn’t return, sparking a multi-agency search for the experienced divers.
They were winched to safety by the Westpac Surf Live Saving helicopter almost 24 hours later in remarkably good spirits and good condition.
Their dry suits are credited with keeping them warm.
Fitzgerald said he was spending time with family after giving them a scare while Fillman sent a message to those who saved them.
“Thank you to our emergency services teams in aircraft, on the water, or on land for turning this into a happy ending,” he said.
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