Rescue of a pianist after 9 hours in the Pacific Ocean

A pianist working on a cruise ship was found struggling with the waves of the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California, after spending about 9 hours in the water after falling from the ship, according to what was reported by American media.

Two fishermen were able to find the man, who works for the Royal Caribbean cruise ship company, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from the coast, near Catalina Island, on Friday. Authorities believe he was in the water for about 9 hours, according to CBS News, the American media partner of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

Recalling the moment the musician was found, Grant Garrett said that he and his friend Sean Norton saw a person in the water, adding: “I said to myself: Yes, he is a human being.” 'Stop the boat, and let's get all the fishing lines.'

The man, whose identity has not yet been revealed, was taken to the hospital. His condition was described as stable, according to what the US Coast Guard told the BBC, confirming that an investigation had been opened to determine the circumstances of the incident.

The two fishermen explained that the man identified himself as a pianist working on the 14-story cruise ship “Ovation of the Seas.”

"The only thing he said to me was, 'Thank you,'" Norton said. "I thought I was going to die."