Survived after 75 hours in the water

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (8 Feb 2006) -- The police say it is a testament to Robert Hewitt's skills as a former navy diver that he was able to survive three days in the water off Mana Island, near Wellington.

They say Mr Hewitt survived by eating kina and crayfish he caught before he got into trouble.

The 38-year old, the brother of former All Black Norm Hewitt, failed to surface after a dive off the island on Sunday. He was found dehydrated but conscious shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, about 300m off the northeastern tip of the island and near where he was last seen.

Police first spotted a wetsuit hood in the water and found Mr Hewitt floating nearby soon after.

Kapiti Area Police Commander John Spence says in his 29-year career, finding Mr Hewitt is the highlight.

Miracle, say police

"Miracles do happen; on this occasion it has," Inspector Spence said. Surviving three days in the conditions, especially the third day - "which was very cold, very windy, very choppy, very uncomfortable" - was miraculous.

Inspector Spence says being present when Mr Hewitt arrived on shore is something he won't forget for a very long time.

A police spokesperson, Kaye Calder, says Mr Hewitt, who was taken to hospital to be treated for hypothermia, kept a calm head during his ordeal. She says his stamina and experience, as well as his ability to maintain a clear head, helped him survive.

Ms Calder says Mr Hewitt was very tired, but spoke briefly to his fiancee by phone before being taken ashore.

Police described him as cold but lucid, and said he managed to talk non-stop once on board the police launch.

Norm Hewitt, speaking at a police news conference after the rescue, said it was as if his brother had been returned by the Gods.

Inspector Spence says there will be a de-brief in a couple of days to find out exactly what happened, and he hopes Mr Hewitt will attend.

Source

3:10 PM - 2/8/2006

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