Maritime rescue services have saved a Polish sailor stranded off the French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean, according to reports.

The 54-year-old seafarer was discovered after drifting for seven months between the Maldives and Mauritius.

The Franceinfo agency reported that the sailor, identified only as Zbigniew, had set off from the Comoros archipelago, located between Madagascar and East Africa, in May.

He set sail for South Africa, where he intended to take up work. However, his boat was severely damaged on the way, leaving the sailor without navigation and communication systems.

The rescue operation took place on Monday evening, Alain Djeutang, from Reunion’s maritime rescue services, told the media.

The undernourished man had subsisted on one pack of instant noodle soup per two days and now needs food to regain strength.

Djeutang added that the Pole also needed money and help in administrative procedures.

The Polish sailor was accompanied by his cat, which survived despite the harsh conditions. (aba/gs)

Source: IAR