A 27-year-old man, Layonel Ramirez Collado, was rescued after enduring 38 hours adrift at sea following a jet ski malfunction. Collado found himself in distress under the scorching sun for three days until a rescue team located him.
The incident occurred near Juan Grande in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, where Collado was boating with friends. His jet ski detached from the vessel, prompting him to jump in after it, intending to catch up with his companions on shore. Unfortunately, nightfall led him further out to sea while his friends awaited him on the coast.
A search operation commenced after his friends raised the alarm at 11pm, but initial attempts to locate Collado were unsuccessful. After spending two nights floating in the Atlantic, he caught the attention of a passing aircraft on the third day, approximately 15 nautical miles southwest of Arguineguín.
Rescuers found Collado clinging to his jet ski, dehydrated and sunburnt but conscious. He was eventually brought ashore by a cargo vessel and appeared to be in good health, with minor complaints of chest pain from his time on the jet ski’s hull. Collado was then taken to San Roque Meloneras Hospital in San Bartolomé de Tirajana for evaluation.
Upon his safe return, Collado’s family expressed relief. His mother, who remained confident in his survival, stated, “He held on to the jet ski and that’s why he didn’t drown.” Grateful for his safe rescue, Collado’s family criticized the initial response by Spanish authorities, claiming it was inadequate.
After enduring the harrowing ordeal, Collado shared that his immediate desire was to relax and watch Netflix.