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‘I didn’t think I would make it’: Australian sailor rescued after months lost at sea with dog

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An Australian sailor who was rescued after being lost at sea for three months with his dog has said he is “grateful” to be alive.

Timothy Shaddock, 54, made the remarks after setting foot on dry land on Tuesday for the first time since his ordeal started.

The 54-year-old’s catamaran set sail in April from the Mexican city of La Paz for French Polynesia – but was crippled by bad weather weeks into the journey.

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The crew of the Mexican tuna boat ‘Maria Delia’ pose for photos with Bella. Pic: AP

He said the last time he saw land was in early May as he sailed out of the Sea of Cortez and into the Pacific Ocean.

The sailor, who is from Sydney, became lost after the electronics on his vessel were wiped out by a storm, leaving him unable to call for help.

He survived for three months collecting rainwater and eating raw fish.

Mr Shaddock and his dog Bella were eventually rescued by a tuna fishing boat before being brought to the Mexican city of Manzanillo.

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After seeing a doctor on board the Maria Delia Tuna on Tuesday, Mr Shaddock said. “I’m feeling alright. I’m feeling a lot better than I was, I tell ya.”

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Moment sailor is rescued after months at sea

The sailor, who was smiling, bearded and thin after stepping back on dry land, continued: “I didn’t think I would make it … there were many bad days and many good days. I lost my cooking along the way so it was a lot of tuna sushi … I’m still very skinny.”

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Tim Shaddock and his dog Bella survived months lost at sea on rainwater and raw fish. Pic: 9News

Mr Shaddock added that after he was rescued he was “just eating so much food” on the Mexican fishing vessel.

“To the captain and fishing company that saved my life, I’m just so grateful. I’m alive and I didn’t really think I’d make it,” he added.

Mr Shaddock was rescued after he was spotted by a helicopter that was on the lookout for tuna for a fishing vessel.

The sailor said the helicopter was the first “human vehicle” he had seen in months.

“The chopper basically flew away and the came back with a speed boat, I was just very grateful,” he said.

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Tim Shaddock was rescued by a tuna troller. Pic: 9News

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Tim Shaddock pictured shortly after his rescue. Pic: 9News

The tuna boat spotted Mr Shaddock’s boat about 1,200 miles (1,930km) from land, Grupomar, which operates the fishing fleet, said in a statement.

The company didn’t specify when the rescue occurred, but said Mr Shaddock and his dog were in a “precarious” state when they were found.

Mr Shaddock said he’ll be going back to Australia soon and that he’s looking forward to seeing his family.

The sailor said that he and his “amazing” dog are both doing well now and that he still loves the ocean.

Mr Shaddock said: “I did enjoy being at sea, I enjoy being out there, but when things get tough out there you have to survive, and then when you get saved you feel like you want to live.”

Before the sailor and the dog left the rescue vessel, the crew posed for photos on board while holding Bella.

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