Royal Caribbean Pianist Survives 9 Hours at Sea After Fishermen Pull Him From Pacific
Updated
Updated · CNN · Nov 9
Royal Caribbean Pianist Survives 9 Hours at Sea After Fishermen Pull Him From Pacific
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Nov 9
Summary
Two fishermen said they spotted the Royal Caribbean pianist about 20 miles off California on Friday morning and hauled him aboard after he had spent roughly nine hours in the Pacific.
Grant Garrett and Sean Norton told KCBS/KCAL the man was in shock and said, “Thank you. I thought I was gonna die,” after they each grabbed an arm and lifted him from the water.
Newport County officials believe he went overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas about nine hours earlier; he is expected to survive.
Sean Norton said unusually warm 76-degree water tied to El Niño may have been critical, arguing the pianist likely would not have survived that long in a colder year.
Royal Caribbean said it is supporting the crew member, while CNN said the U.S. Coast Guard and Newport County lifeguards were being contacted for comment.