A missing sailor was found clinging to the hull of his capsized boat 48 hours after disappearing, according to US Coast Guard officials.
Stuart Bee was spotted by the crew of a large container ship on Sunday stranded in the Atlantic Ocean 86 miles off his destination of Port Canaveral, Florida.
The 62-year-old then plunged into the choppy waters before hauling himself aboard the 225-foot Angeles vessel, having reportedly suffered no injuries.
It is unclear why his 32-foot boat the Sting Ray capsized, with his family reporting him missing on Saturday morning after he failed to return from a day trip from Cape Marina.
Mr Bee had set out on Friday and does not stay overnight on his boat, according to the Coast Guard.
He was rescued around 11am yesterday after a Coast Guard station directed vessels in the vicinity to keep an eye out for the capsized boat.
Angeles petty officer Veronica Dunn-Depretis told ABC News : "He was clinging to that when they came across him and they pulled him up on their vessel."
Incredible photos show the bearded sailor first clinging to a few feet of hull sticking out of the water and then swimming toward a lifesaving buoy and onto the container ship.
He was wearing only a pair of jeans and a short-sleeved shirt despite the freezing conditions.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville received initial reports of the missing man at 11.40am.
A C-130 Hercules aircrew was then dispatched from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, while Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral watchstanders were directed to issue preliminary and extended communications in an effort to locate the missing man.
The 7th District Coast Guard command centre watchstanders issued an Enhanced Group Calling to nearby mariners to keep a lookout and report any findings to the Coast Guard.
A US Customs and Border Patrol air marine asset also assisted in the search.
"Saving lives at sea is our highest calling. This is a truly incredible outcome that demonstrates the bond among all mariners and our community," said Captain Mark Vlaun, commanding officer of Sector Jacksonville.
"Thank you to our mission partners that launch into action and to all who got the word out to find and rescue Mr Bee."
