I had been sitting on this news item for a few days, because I couldn’t muster the energy to write about yet another diver death. However, this morning, I discovered the once-tragic story has a very, very happy ending.

On Sunday, former Navy diver Robert Hewitt went missing off New Zealand’s Mana Island. However, early this morning – three full days after his disappearance! – rescuers found Hewitt, cold, dehydrated, and tired...but alive. According to reports, rescuers first spotted the hood of his wetsuit in the water, and then saw Hewitt floating nearby. Wearing only the bottom of his navy issue dive suit, he had shed the rest of his dive gear. According to Hewitt, he captured and ate crayfish and kina (sea eggs) during his 72-hour ordeal, although he had not had any fresh water during the time. Police claim Hewitt’s “stamina, experience and ability to maintain a clear head” helped him survive the ordeal. That, and maybe just a wee bit of good luck.