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Two Men Saved After Spending The Night In Shark-Infested Waters

Two Men Saved After Spending The Night In Shark-Infested Waters

The two men clung for life on a petrol drum and a piece of wood

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

Two men were rescued after spending the night in shark-infested waters.

The pair, who are cousins aged 37 and 47, were left stranded after their fishing boat sank in the Torres Strait between Australia and New Guinea.

They then spent the night clinging onto a petrol drum and a piece of wood, which drifted around 10km over the course of the night.

After 15 hours in the water, the two men were eventually spotted by the captain of an oil tanker, the MT GODAM.

The crew turned the ship around and managed to pick them up.

The two men floated for 15 hours in shark-infested waters.
7News

According to the men, they came within inches of being attacked by sharks, claiming they were circled by the animals at one point.

Another shark even approached one of the men while the other was being taken aboard the ship.

Speaking to 7News about the bizarre rescue mission, Captain Ritesh Bhamaria said: "Initially, they were a bit tired because they'd been in the water for long as ten they were a bit, they were feeling cold."

Following the incident, the two cousins were airlifted to safety and taken to Thursday Island Hospital where they were treated for a few cuts and bruises.

It's understood that they have both now returned home.

It seems like every month someone has a close encounter with a shark - or two - whether it's a Great White or something more benign.

They were eventually pulled to safety.
7News

Earlier this year, a US Coast Guard officer had to shoot an eight-foot shark after it was spotted heading for dozens of crew members enjoying a swim.

Cutter Kimball's crew had not seen land in weeks and decided to take a well-earned break with a dip in the ocean.

But things quickly took a turn for the worse when a large shark was seen in the area, heading towards the 30-40 people splashing about in the water.

Fortunately, the team had positioned a safety boat 50 yards away from the ship with an armed 'shark watch' on the main deck to keep an eye out for any danger.

After several blasts from the sharp shooter's rifle, the persistent predator scurried away, giving the crew in the water the time to get to safety.

The bizarre story was shared by the Coast Guard on its Facebook page.

The post reads: "As if right out of a Hollywood movie, a 6-8 foot shark (no exaggeration) surfaced at the Rescue Door and was swimming toward 30-40 people in the water about 30 feet away. Everyone on the Flight Deck had a bird's eye view.

"A review of video shot by a crew member reveals it was likely a Long-Fin Mako or Pelagic Thresher Shark - not something to mess with!"

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Sharks, Great White, Australia