Haikou: A Chinese businessman has survived seven days adrift in the South China Sea after accidentally falling into the water during a late-night walk in Hainan province, in what local authorities and rescuers described as a remarkable survival story.
Qin Jianping, a man in his 40s from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, was rescued by two fishermen on June 3 after spending a week drifting at sea without a life jacket, food, fresh water, or communication equipment.
According to local media reports, Qin was visiting Haikou, the capital of Hainan province, when he slipped from a seaside dam on the night of May 27 after stepping on a discarded fruit peel. Strong waves quickly carried him away from shore, making it impossible for him to swim back.
Qin initially hoped to be spotted by passing vessels, but despite seeing boats nearby, he was unable to attract attention. As he drifted farther from land, he discarded personal belongings to conserve energy and relied on floating navigation buoys for brief periods of rest.
Days at sea
During the ordeal, Qin endured prolonged exposure to the sun, dehydration, cold nighttime temperatures, and exhaustion. He suffered cuts from coral reefs and marine life and struggled to remain afloat for extended periods.
According to his account, he attempted to survive by consuming seawater and later ate small sea crabs found on a navigation buoy, which became his only source of food during the week-long drift.
As the days passed, Qin became increasingly weak and experienced hallucinations caused by dehydration and lack of nutrition.
Rescue off Hainan coast
The breakthrough came when fishermen Zheng Shizhong and Fu Tingsan spotted Qin floating approximately 10 kilometres off the coast of Chengmai County.
The fishermen initially attempted to throw him a rope, but Qin’s deteriorating condition made it difficult for him to respond. They eventually pulled him aboard using a long boat pole and provided him with water, clothing, and first aid before returning to shore.
Villagers helped alert emergency services, and Qin was transported to hospital for treatment.
Recovery underway
Doctors at Chengmai County People’s Hospital said Qin was admitted in critical condition suffering from severe dehydration, infected wounds, oral ulcers, and complications caused by prolonged exposure to seawater. Medical staff reported that he lost more than 10 kilograms during the ordeal.
After receiving emergency treatment in intensive care, his condition stabilized. Doctors said he is expected to make a full recovery.
Qin’s family had spent days searching for him after he was reported missing. Authorities had previously confirmed through surveillance footage that he had fallen into the sea, while relatives feared the worst as search efforts continued.
Following his rescue, Qin said he intends to personally thank the fishermen who saved his life before returning home to recover.
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