WELLINGTON, New Zealand (1 Jan 2004) -- After being swept about nine kilometres out to sea on New Year's Day, Daniel Mulholland says the rest of his year can only get better. The Upper Hutt 28-year-old went for a dive off a friend's boat near Sinclair Head on Wellington's south coast about 2.15pm yesterday. The wind had picked up when he surfaced, and surging waves and a strong current were carrying him out to Cook Strait. "It was a bit scary when I realised I was getting out further and further and I couldn't get back to the boat." Dumping extra weights, Mr Mulholland "stayed and prayed" that someone would find him. There were times when he feared the worst, though he knew there were still many daylight hours left. Meanwhile, his friend on the boat alerted emergency services, sparking a search involving two Coastguard boats, the police launch Lady Elizabeth III and two helicopters. | | But it was the Lynx fast ferry crew that spotted Mr Mulholland in the water and alerted rescue services. The Coastguard brought him, his friend and the boat in at Owhiro Bay about 5.15pm. "I'm still alive. I get to go home to my wife and children," Mr Mulholland said. "I really want to say thank you to the police launch, the Coastguard boats, the helicopters, the Lynx and the two private boats that stayed out there to help." Mr Mulholland had dived in the area before but it was the first time he had been caught out. SOURCE - STUFF |
