CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY (8/3/2015) A man spent four hours in the Atlantic Ocean after going overboard before being rescued and flown to a hospital by the Coast Guard, authorities said Sunday.
The rescue happened about 2 a.m. during thunderstorms 44 miles east of Cape May, said Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class David Micallef.
The Coast Guard received a distress radio call from the vessel Sea Robin about 10 p.m. Saturday saying there was a man overboard.
Helicopters were sent out of Atlantic City and Elizabeth City, North Carolina, as well as a Coast Guard boat from Cape May.
The 45-year-old man was found treading water by the vessel Maersk Wesport and was thrown a life preserver, then was taken aboard a 39-foot recreational fishing boat.
The Coast Guard helicopter from Atlantic City arrived and hoisted him aboard, taking him to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City. Details on his condition were not released.