Man survives 18 hours at sea by clinging to toy ball
The man, Ivan, and a friend were caught in powerful currents over the weekend off the coast of Greece
By Leila Merrill
KASSANDRA, Greece — A man who was swept out to sea survived 18 hours by clinging to a toy ball, Metro reported.
Greek media outlets have reported that the man, identified as Ivan, 30, and a friend were caught in powerful currents over the weekend off the coast of Myti Beach in Kassandra, Fox5NY reported.
Friends contacted local authorities, but the two men were declared lost at sea.
A tourist has survived being swept out to sea thanks to just a small inflatable ball 🌊🏐
— Metro (@MetroUK) July 14, 2022
Let's get into it 👇https://t.co/HWmTChvQDf
Ivan saw the half-inflated ball floating toward him. He clung to it for 18 hours until he was rescued. Rescuers pulled him from the water on Sunday.
His friend is still missing.
Ivan’s story has been covered widely in Greece, and a mother recognized the ball. Her sons lost it 10 days before the rescue, Metro reported.