AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico (AP) — A Michigan man is telling a tale of survival after a boating accident off Puerto Rico.
David Thompson of Kalamazoo tells The Associated Press he swam and floated for seven hours to reach land after he was tossed overboard while sailing alone. He’s now recovering in a hospital.
The 68-year-old retired engineer says he’d been with his wife, Donna, in St. Maarten. She flew home and he was taking their 49-foot boat to South Florida. He was knocked overboard Sunday afternoon about four miles from land.
Battering waves stripped Thompson of a life jacket and his clothes, except for his shirt. He says thinking about his young granddaughter kept him going.
Thompson’s wife says her husband is “stubborn” and “determined” and she’s not surprised he survived.
FOX 17 spoke with the person who found Thompson when he reached land. We’ll have more on later editions of FOX 17 News.
Photos from the Olas y Arena Restaurant where Thompson went when he made it to the beach – sent by Ivelisse Mercado.
Puerto Rico beach where Thompson landed
Puerto Rico beach where Thompson landed
Puerto Rico beach where Thompson landed
