Man, 23, Rescued After Spending 2 Nights Adrift at Sea on a Jet Ski: ‘This Has Been My Worst Nightmare,’ His Mom Says

Man, 23, Rescued After Spending 2 Nights Adrift at Sea on Jet Ski Near Spain

A 23-year-old man has been rescued after spending two nights adrift at sea on a jet ski near the coast of the Canary Islands in Spain. The young man, Layonel Ramírez Collado, found himself in a harrowing situation when his jet ski broke down while he was out on an evening boat trip with friends on Monday, Sept. 29. According to reports from local news outlets such as El País, Canarias 7, and The Sun, Layonel became separated from the boat as he tried to retrieve a jet ski that had come loose. His plan to drive the jet ski back to shore was thwarted when the vehicle malfunctioned, leading to him being swept away by strong winds and currents.

Despite his friends alerting authorities about his disappearance at around 11 p.m. local time that night, Layonel remained lost at sea. Multiple local rescue agencies diligently searched for him for nearly 48 hours until finally spotting him about 11 miles off the coast. A Sasemar Maritime Rescue aircraft located Layonel alive on the jet ski on Wednesday, Oct. 1, as reported by El País and Canarias 7. Although he was dehydrated and experiencing some body aches, he miraculously emerged from the ordeal unscathed.

Layonel’s mother, Natividad Collado, expressed her relief upon her son’s safe return, describing the ordeal as her worst nightmare. She was joined by an outpouring of support from friends and family as they welcomed Layonel back onshore. Despite the physical toll of his ordeal, Layonel maintained a positive outlook, with his grandfather, José Collado, sharing that he was in good spirits and even encouraging others. A friend of Layonel described him as a fighter and a warrior, highlighting his resilience in the face of danger.

The rescue of Layonel serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and sometimes treacherous nature of the sea. His story is a testament to the importance of swift and coordinated rescue efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals at risk in maritime emergencies. Authorities and rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate and bring Layonel back to safety, underscoring the dedication and expertise required in such challenging rescue operations.

Incidents like Layonel’s serve as cautionary tales for sea enthusiasts and underline the need for vigilance and preparedness when engaging in water activities. While Layonel’s story had a happy ending, not all maritime emergencies conclude similarly, making safety precautions and prompt reporting of incidents crucial in mitigating risks. The support and love shown by Layonel’s community and family during his ordeal demonstrate the powerful bonds that unite us in times of crisis, offering hope and comfort in moments of uncertainty.

As Layonel begins his recovery from the physical and emotional toll of his time adrift at sea, his resilience and strength serve as an inspiration to all who hear his story. His survival against the odds stands as a testament to human endurance and the unwavering spirit that can overcome even the most daunting challenges. The tale of Layonel’s rescue is a reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit when faced with adversity, offering a beacon of hope and courage in the face of uncertainty.