For three months, Timothy Lyndsay Shaddock, 54, and dog Bella were lost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – after his boat broke up in a storm.
They both had to survive on raw fish and rainwater – before being rescued by a Mexican fishing boat.
– I am just so grateful, he says.
In April, Timothy Lyndsay Shaddock, 54, left the port of La Paz, Mexico, with dog Bella, to set out to sea in a catamaran. The man, who is from Sydney in Australia, aimed to reach French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean.
After a few weeks at sea, Timothy and Bella were crippled by a severe storm, causing the catamaran to break up.
For a total of three months, Timothy Lyndsay Shaddock and the dog were in the Pacific Ocean without being able to get out. By pure chance, the crew of a Mexican fishing boat spotted the broken catamaran – almost 2,000 kilometers from land.
Survived on raw fish and rainwater
Australian 9News has published footage from the rescue operation.
– I have been part of a very difficult ordeal at sea, he says in the films.
– I just need rest and good food because I have been alone at sea longer. Otherwise I’m fine.
The channel writes that he survived on raw fish and rainwater.
During Tuesday, Timothy Lyndsay Shaddock received several questions from reporters at a press conference in the city of Manzanillo in Mexico.
– I feel good. I feel much better than I did, I can say that, he says according to AP.
“Didn’t think I could make it”
Pictures and videos of the 54-year-old show that the man has become bearded and thin after the months at sea.
– To the captain and the fishing company that saved my life, I’m just so grateful. I’m alive and I didn’t think I’d make it, he says.
He also says he is looking forward to seeing his family again.
The fishing company has not given any specific details about when the rescue operation was carried out. They state in a statement that both Timothy Lyndsay Shaddock and Bella were cared for and fed by the crew.
Captain Oscar Meza Oregón says he is proud of the crew after the rescue operation.