Rescued Scottish Surfer Recounts His Harrowing Ordeal

Earlier this week we brought you the story of a Scottish surfer who was rescued after 32 hours adrift, after getting caught in a rip.

Now the surfer involved, named Matthew Bryce, has spoken out about his ordeal from his hospital bed in Belfast, recounting the harrowing details of his time spent adrift.

Bryce told BBC Scotland’s Jackie Bird that the day had begun normally, with a drive to the beach, and plans for a short morning surf. However strong wind and currents reportedly began to carry Bryce out to sea.

“The wind and water was just relentless,” he recounted, adding that at one point he made it back to within a mile of the land, only to be dragged out to sea again by the outgoing tide.

“It got to the point where my paddling was ineffective, but I was doing it to keep myself warm.”

Bryce described how fear truely began to set in as night drew closer.

“It was incredibly lonely and quiet because there was just nothing – just waves,” he said.

“I hadn’t seen any helicopters.

“I was thinking I was going to die – I was almost convinced.”

As it started to get light on Monday morning Matthew began to drift in and out of consciousness, waking only as he felt himself slipping off his board. He continued floating with the current for the rest of the day and as night approached again Mathew said he felt ‘prepared for death’

“I knew I wasn’t going to make another night, so I was watching the sunset,” he said.

“Then a helicopter flew over me.”

“I can’t describe it at all.

“These guys were the most beautiful sight I had ever seen.

“I owe them my life.”

Bryce was then winched up and take immediately to hospital where he was treated for hyperthermia and dehydration. His parents said they had feared the worst, and were absolutely delighted to see their son alive and well.

Cover photo: BBC