This is the dramatic moment a surfer was plucked from the sea after spending more than 30 hours clinging to his surfboard.
The coastguard released footage of the rescue of the 22-year-old who was reported missing on Sunday morning.
Matthew Bryce, from Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, was initially reported missing by his family when he failed to return from a surfing trip off the Argyll coast of Scotland.
Police launched an investigation into the disappearance in addition to a large-scale search, with rescue teams from Campbeltown, Southend, Gigha, Tarbert and Port Ellen all involved.
Matthew was eventually found by a search and rescue helicopter 13 miles off the coast of Scotland at around 7.30pm on Monday.
Footage shows him still with his surfboard before a coastguard volunteer plucked him from the sea by a helicopter winch.
The 22-year-old from has been called “extremely lucky” by those who saved him who rushed him to hospital in Belfast for treatment for hypothermia.
The coastguard said his body temperature was very low but they believe that his knowledge and wetsuit saved his life.
Search coordinator Dawn Petrie said Matthew had all the right kit and that his wetsuit may have saved his life.
She added: “Hope was fading of finding the surfer safe and well after such a long period in the water and with nightfall approaching we were gravely concerned but the crew on the coastguard rescue helicopter were delighted when they located the man still with his surf board and 13 miles off the coast.
“He was kitted out with all the right clothing including a thick neoprene suit and this must have helped him to survive for so long at sea.
“He is hypothermic but conscious and has been flown to hospital in Belfast.”
