Doctor said it was impossible, family had resigned to fate: Man adrift for 7 days returns home on his own

A man identified as Qin Jianping has miraculously survived seven days adrift at sea, a feat doctors deemed nearly impossible. The 40-something man from Guangxi was on holiday in Haikou, Hainan, when he fell into the dark ocean late on May 27.

He recounted the terrifying experience, stating, "I thought I was going to die." Qin was not wearing a life jacket and had no supplies. He described the powerful sea currents that repeatedly pulled him back from the shore, making any attempt to reach land futile. His body sustained injuries from hitting coral reefs, and he swallowed saltwater.

Facing exhaustion, Qin made a critical decision: to stop fighting the waves and instead let the current carry him, hoping to be seen by passing ships at sunrise. However, the dawn revealed a desolate horizon with no land in sight. Despite two ships passing on the first day, his attempts to signal for help went unnoticed.

To conserve energy, Qin discarded his shoes, pants, watch, and ring, focusing solely on staying afloat. His ordeal finally ended when two fishermen found him, emaciated and barely alive, seven days after he fell into the sea. The story highlights an extraordinary instance of human resilience against overwhelming odds.