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Queen Camilla "heartbroken" by death of rescue dog

Queen Camilla, who is recovering from a chest infection, has had to make the tough decision of putting her beloved pet dog, Beth, down after she was diagnosed with an untreatable tumour. The news was revealed by Buckingham Palace in a message shared to social media, which read: "A sad farewell to Beth, the Queen's much-loved companion from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home who brought such joy, whether on walkies, helping on official duties, or curled up by the fire". The 77-year-old royal is said to be "heartbroken" by the loss over the weekend. Beth was rescued by Camilla in 2011, and because she was a rescue, the animal charity was never sure of Beth's age. The royal later adopted another Jack Russell, Bluebell, soon after getting Beth, when she became patron of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2017, taking over from the late Queen Elizabeth II. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCg830XISLD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCg830XISLD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)</a> </div> </blockquote> Recalling the moment she found Bluebell, the Queen previously told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Along I went to Battersea, and Beth appeared, and she had just been moved from pillar to post and dumped. "We thought it would be nice for her to have a friend. They found [Bluebell] two or three weeks later, wandering about in woods, no hair on her, covered in sores, virtually dead. And they nursed her back to life and her hair grew again. "She's very sweet, but a tiny bit neurotic, shall we say. "The nice thing about dogs is you can sit them down, you could have a nice long conversation, you could be cross, you could be sad and they just sit looking at you, wagging their tail." The two dogs were often by her side at public events and were even featured in an official portrait alongside Camilla. Pictures of her two pups were also embroidered onto the Queen's Coronation gown. Camilla once said of her dogs: "I cannot imagine my life, my home or my sofas without them". Image: Instagram/ The Royal Family

Family & Pets

Man clinging to esky rescued after Hurricane Milton ravages entire state

A man has been dramatically rescued after he drifted more than 50km out to sea after being hit by the terrifying storm of Hurricane Milton. The record-breaking storm system ravaged the US state of Florida on Thursday, as the death toll has risen to 14 at the time of writing. One fisherman survived the storm by clinging to an esky and was rescued by the US Coast Guard in the Gulf of Mexico after his boat was stranded overnight in dangerous waters. “This man survived in a nightmare scenario for even the most experienced mariner,” Lieutenant Commander Dana Grady of the US Coast Guard said of the dramatic rescue. “To understand the severity of the hurricane conditions, we estimate he experienced approximately 75 to 90mph winds, 20- to 25-foot (six to seven metre ) seas, for an extended period of time to include overnight." “He survived because of a lifejacket, his emergency position indicating locator beacon and a cooler.” The storm swept through the city of Tampa, causing widespread destruction throughout the south-east of the state, with many residents now dealing with power outages and extensive debris. Amongst those stranded during the flash flooding were 135 residents of an aged care home, with many wheelchair-bound residents spending the night sitting in water up to their waste before they were rescued the next morning. “This is a neighbourhood that doesn’t have a lot … They’ve lost everything,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister told CNN. “These are people who live day-to-day and they have nothing … Your heart shatters for these people.” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said, “We’ll survey the damage and get people back on their feet – we’ll get through this.” Image credits: Instagram - US Coast Guard

Travel Trouble

Beloved teddy bear left in airport lounge rescued by airline

Staff at British Airways have rescued a child’s stuffed teddy bear that was left behind in an airport lounge, documenting the toy’s safe journey home. The treasured teddy was found in the British Airways lounge at London’s Heathrow Airport by nine-year-old Alex, who accidentally left the toy behind before boarding a flight home to Dubai. After staff found the stranded toy, a new flight and boarding pass was created for Postman Bear, while members of the BA team gave the teddy the”'VIP treatment” with a journey on an airport buggy to “catch up” with the Cabin Crew Operations team in the Crew Report Centre. Postman Bear was then taken to meet the cabin crew on his new flight to Dubai and was pictured “patiently” waiting for his flight at the gate, drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying “some great views of the aircraft” while waiting to board. The teddy’s journey home was lovingly captured by British Airways customer manager, Ed Tumath, who sent the snaps back to young Alex to assure him his beloved bear was being looked after. After touching down in Dubai, the cabin crew took Postman Bear to reunite with Alex and the rest of his family for a “bear-y happy reunion”. Stuart, Alex's parent, recalled the moment they knew the teddy was missing, while praising British Airways for their tireless journey to reunite Alex with his bear. Stuart said, “My son had left his teddy bear - huge sentimental value as he has had the teddy since birth - in the British Airways lounge ahead of the flight. We noticed as the aircraft doors were closing so nothing could be done at that point.” “This was very distressing to my son who uses the teddy as a calming item, especially when flying. This was incredibly stressful and we feared that his beloved teddy may be lost forever.” “Whilst onboard the flight, I took to a series of Facebook groups to seek help in finding the teddy. A member of the group contacted Ed who came to the rescue. I managed to communicate with Ed on the flight and received a picture showing that the teddy had been found, which calmed my son.” “Not only did Ed go out of his way to find the teddy but he communicated so well throughout. He genuinely cared about the situation and worked so hard to get the teddy back to us.” “He arranged for the teddy to board a flight to Dubai a couple of days later and a crew member handed the teddy back to us. Not only did Ed excel in his caring manner and communication, he even provided a few pictures of the teddy's journey, which my son will treasure forever.” “My son was so relieved - words could not express how grateful we are to Ed for his kind act and dedication to getting the teddy back to us. I have been flying with BA for many years - this is the best experience I have had by far and I am overwhelmed by Ed's efforts.” “Sometimes amazing people do incredible things and show such kindness along the way... these things matter. This meant a huge amount to my family and I, and we will be forever grateful.” Image credits: British Airways

International Travel

Rescued sailor speaks after being adrift for months with his dog

Australian sailor Timothy Shaddock has spoken up about the three months he spent lost at sea with nothing but his dog Bella. The 54-year-old was rescued by a Mexican tuna boat in the Pacific Ocean after a helicopter spotted his incapacitated catamaran 1900 km from land. When he was found by the Maria Delia crew, which is part of the Grupomar fleet, Shaddock and his dog were in a “precarious” state after surviving three months without provisions and shelter. Shaddock, who was sailing from Mexico to French Polynesia lost contact because his boat’s electronic system was damaged during rough seas. When the helicopter first discovered him, they threw him a drink and flew away before returning with the tuna trawler to rescue him. This was his first contact with humans since early May. Despite the horrifying ordeal and the fear of not being able to survive an impending hurricane, the sailor remained positive and said that he enjoyed being out at sea. "I did enjoy being at sea. I enjoyed being out there," he told reporters during a news conference in Manzanillo, Mexico on Tuesday, after he safely made it back to land. "But when things get tough out there, you know, you have to survive. And then when you get saved, you feel like you want to live. So, I'm very grateful." Shaddock said that he passed the time by fixing things and tried to stay positive by going into the water to “just enjoy” it. The sailor survived on a diet of raw fish after the storm knocked out his electronics and ability to cook. “I did a lot of fishing,” Shaddock said. “There was a lot of tuna sushi.” The emaciated sailor who survived was immediately given food, water and medication upon being rescued. In one of the photos shared by the Grupomar, a thin and bearded Shaddock was pictured in the boat's cabin with a blood pressure cuff around his arm and a huge smile on his face despite the entire ordeal. In a few others, Bella was pictured lying on the deck and receiving pats for being the bravest pup. Shaddock expressed his gratitude for his loyal companion. “Bella found me in Mexico, she’s Mexican. She is the spirit of the middle of the country, and she wouldn’t let me go,” he said. “She’s amazing, that dog is something else. “I’m just grateful she’s alive. She’s a lot more brave than me.” He revealed that the hardest part of surviving was the fatigue, but this incident will not stop him from going into the ocean in the future. “I’ll always be in the water, I don’t know how far out in the ocean I’ll be,” he said. Images: ABC News/ 9news/ Facebook

Travel Trouble

Inside the frantic rescue mission to save woman who went overboard

A woman has been saved from waters near the Dominican Republic after going overboard from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. The 42-year-old American citizen was rescued by the US Coast Guard, after she fell from the 10th deck of the ship. The Mariner of the Seas cruise ship was about 50 km south of Punta Cana on its way to Willemstad, Curaçao, when the passenger went overboard, a statement from the Coast Guard said. “The passenger was recovered alive and reported to be in good health, after reportedly falling into the water from the 10th deck of the ship,” it said. “No medical evacuation of the passenger was requested by the cruise ship.” “The passenger was being kept on the cruise ship’s medical facility and later transferred to the Hospital in Willemstad, Curacao for evaluation.” The Coast Guard said it was investigating the incident, looking into how and why the woman went overboard. Matthew Kuhn, who was on the cruise ship with his family, told a Florida news station that he watched rescue efforts from his balcony. “I think it was amazing to see everyone was on their balcony. Everyone was trying to help, and the crew was very receptive to everyone,” he said. In a statement released on Wednesday, Royal Caribbean confirmed a passenger went overboard but was rescued as was being cared for onboard. “The ship and crew immediately reported the incident to local authorities and began searching for the guest. Thankfully, the guest was successfully recovered and was brought on board. Our Care team is now offering assistance and support to them and their travelling party. Out of privacy for the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share,” the statement said. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Trouble

“Stay awake!”: Incredible bodycam footage of Jeremy Renner rescue

WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT - VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED. It’s been three months since Jeremy Renner almost lost his life to a horrific <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/hollywood-actor-hospitalised-after-freak-snowplow-accident" target="_blank" rel="noopener">snow plough accident</a>, and new footage has surfaced from the incident. In a gut-wrenching video, medics can be seen desperately trying to save the Hawkeye actor after his 6,500kg Snowcat vehicle ran him over on New Years Day, 2023. Renner was left in critical condition with extensive injuries at the scene of the incident in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The Marvel star was using his snow plough to clear a path out of his home following a massive snowstorm, according to the New York Post. The mighty storm saw over 35,000 people without power in the area. New police bodycam footage from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office showed the scene just moments after Renner’s devastating accident. The footage shows a team of five medics in a desperate attempt to save the star, who suffered blunt chest trauma and orthopaedic injuries. “It was horrible. I thought he was going to die, man. I’m holding him and his colour is just going,” a person at the scene said. Renner’s accident occurred just moments after he stepped in to save his nephew, Alexander Fries, from the path of the snow plough. Police bodycam footage captured Fries explaining what had happened to his uncle. “He went up and turned around, got out to tell me something and then that’s when it started coming at me, like, full force,” he told officers. “That’s when he tried to jump back in there. Right where his blood is at, that’s right where it all happened.” “He tried to jump on it, into the thing, and it took him under,” he added. An emergency call from the incident was also released, which heard the actor’s neighbour telling emergency services that Renner had been “crushed” by the snow plough. On the call, the frazzled neighbour can be heard asking for the emergency crew’s time of arrival as he explained Renner’s “shallow” breaths were “getting shorter” and that the actor had started to “drift off” to sleep. Renner lost a significant amount of blood and underwent surgeries with round-the-clock care from medics after he was flown to Renown Regional Medical Centre in Reno, Nevada. His frantic neighbour, who happened to be a doctor, applied a tourniquet to Renner’s leg to stop the bleeding. Renner was released from hospital in January and has been recovering at home since then. The actor opened up about the chilling events for the first time in an <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/marvel-star-gives-chilling-first-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exclusive interview</a> with US ABC News anchor Diana Sawyer. He shared that he refuses to be “haunted” by the harrowing accident. “I shifted the narrative of it being victimised or making a mistake or anything else,” he told Sawyer. “I refuse to be f**king haunted by that memory that way.” The actor also revealed the harrowing detail of him writing his “last words” to his family as he didn’t think he’d make it through. “I’m writing down notes on my phone. Last words to my family,” he said, holding back tears. Image credit: Instagram/Washoe County Sheriff’s Office

Body

“You wouldn’t believe all I had to do to survive”: Man rescued after 31 days in the jungle

A Bolivian man has survived 31 days in the Amazon jungle. Jhonattan Acosta, 30, was hunting in northern Bolivia when he was separated from his four friends. He told United TV he drank rainwater collected in his shoes and ate worms and insects while hiding from jaguars and peccaries, a type of pig-like mammal. Acosta was finally found by a search party made up of locals and friends a month after he went missing. “I can’t believe people kept up the search for so long,” he said in tears. “I ate worms, I ate insects, you wouldn’t believe all I had to do to survive all this time.” He also ate wild fruits similar to papayas, known locally as gargateas. “I thank God profusely, because he has given me a new life,” he said. His family said they will still have to string all the details together regarding how Acosta got lost and how he managed to stay alive but will ask him gradually as he is still psychologically damaged after the experience. There has also been significant physical changes. Acosta lost 17kg, dislocated his ankle and was severely dehydrated when he was found, but according to those who found him, he was still able to walk with a limp. “My brother told us that when he dislocated his ankle on the fourth day, he started fearing for his life,” Horacio Acosta told Bolivia’s Página Siete newspaper. “He only had one cartridge in his shotgun and couldn’t walk, and he thought no one would be looking for him anymore.” As for his encounters with wild animals in the jungle, including a jaguar, his younger brother said that his brother used his last cartridge to scare off a squadron of peccaries. After 31 days, Acosta spotted the search party about 300m away and limped through thorny bushes, shouting to draw attention to him. Acosta’s brother, Haracio, said that he was found by four local people. “A man came running to tell us they’d found my brother,” he said. “It’s a miracle.” Acosta has since decided to give up hunting for good. “He is going to play music to praise God,” Haracio said. “He promised God that, and I think he will keep his promise.” Image credit: BBC News

Travel Trouble

Thai cave rescue survivor dies aged just 17

Duangphet Promthep, one of 12 boys who was rescued along with their soccer coach from the Tham Luang Nang Non cave system in northern Thailand, has died. Duangphet was found unconscious in his dormitory on Sunday, and sadly passed away two days later. While the exact cause of death is unknown at this time, reports from the United Kingdom suggest he had suffered a head injury. Duangphet had only been enrolled in Leicester’s Brooke House College Football Academy since late 2022. Thai non-profit organisation Zico Foundation, which had assisted him in getting a scholarship to study in England, shared its condolences on Facebook. “Zico Foundation would like to express its condolences and condolence for the passing away of Little Dom Duangphet Phromthep,” they wrote of Duangphet, who also went by the name ‘Dom’, “a student of Zico Foundation.” When Duangphet was only 13 years old, he was trapped with his soccer team - the Wild Boars soccer team of which he was captain - and their squad’s assistant coach for over two weeks in a cave system known as the ‘Great Cave of the Sleeping Lady'. The twelve boys were between the ages 11 and 16, and 4 kilometres into their fateful adventure, when rising floodwaters prevented their escape from Thailand’s fourth-largest cave system. It was an international effort to save the boys and their coach, with a search and rescue mission that spanned over two weeks, with divers from Thailand and from overseas stepping in to help. Some of the boys who were with him in those terrifying times shared their condolences on social media as news of his passing broke around the world. “Brother, you told me that we would be achieving our football dream,” wrote Titan Chanin Viboonrungruan. “If the next world is real, I want us to play football together again, my brother Dom.” “You told me to wait and see you play for the national team, I always believed that you would do it," Prachak Sutham said. "When we met the last time before you left for England, I even jokingly told you that when you come back, I would have to ask for your autograph. "Sleep well, my dear friend. We will always have 13 of us together." In a statement, Duangphet’s school principal Ian Smith said, “this event has left our college community deeply saddened and shaken. “We unite in grief with all of Dom's family, friends, former teammates and those involved in all parts of his life, as well as everyone affected in any way by this loss in Thailand and throughout the college's global family." Dom’s mother joined an online news conference and shared her hope that a Buddhist monk in England would be able to conduct rites for Duangphet. In that same conference, former Thai national soccer team coach and the Zico Foundation’s chairman Kiatisuk Senamuang, described his shock at the news of Duangphet’s passing. “My thoughts are with his family and friends,' he said, fighting tears. 'I think back to his dream of becoming a professional footballer, representing his country and his voice keeps speaking in my head.” He went on to explain that as far as he knew, Duangphet had been healthy, as a full health check had been performed in order for Duangphet to obtain his student visa. While his cause of death is currently unknown, an investigation into the cause will likely take place, and hopefully provide his loved ones with closure in this tragic time. Image: Facebook

News

Stunning footage of rescued baby born during earthquake

After neighbours of a residential area in a northwest Syrian town that was devastated by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake heard the sounds of a wailing infant emerging from the rubble, they rushed to investigate – and discovered a newborn baby whose mother appears to have given birth to her while buried beneath the rubble. The baby girl was discovered amid the ruins of a five-story apartment building, with relatives reporting that her umbilical cord was still attached to her mother, who tragically did not survive the catastrophe. Also killed were the baby’s immediate family, making her the only one from her family to survive following the collapse of the building. Rescuers were only able to find and help the crying baby some ten hours after the quake had struck, and during the rescue a female neighbour cut the umbilical cord before the baby was rushed to a nearby children’s hospital to receive care. Footage of the infant emerging from the rubble with a rescuer has also appeared on social media, with Twitter user @rami498 appearing to capture the miraculous moment. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> ولِدَ تحت الانقاض وتوفت والدته.. جنديرس<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B2%D9%84%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%84?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#زلزال</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%87%D8%B2%D8%A9_%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%B6%D9%8A%D8%A9?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#هزة_أرضية</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#سوريا</a> <a href="https://t.co/DdUeJIDs0w">pic.twitter.com/DdUeJIDs0w</a> — رامي المحمد (@rami498) <a href="https://twitter.com/rami498/status/1622665696307027991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2023</a></blockquote> The baby is now reported to be in a stable condition despite multiple severe bruising, including a large one on her back. Doctors at the children’s hospital believe the baby had been born roughly three hours before being found. Images: Getty Images; @rami498 / Twitter

News

Two-year-old rescued from jaws of hippo

A two-year-old boy is lucky to be alive after a hippo almost swallowed him while he was playing outside. Paul Iga was playing just metres away from Lake Edward in the Katwe-Kabatoro district of Uganda on December 4 when he was attacked by the rogue hippo. The wild hippo reportedly grabbed little Paul with its jaw before starting to swallow. Luckily, Chrispas Bagonza witnessed the horrific ordeal and was able to throw stones at the hippo to let Paul go. The plan worked, with the hippo spitting Paul out and swimming away. Paul was taken to hospital with a hand injury and was also given a vaccine for rabies as a precaution. “This is the first such kind of incident where a hippo strayed out of Lake Edward and attacked a young child,” Ugandan Police said in a statement. “It took the bravery of one Chrispas Bagonza, who was nearby, to save the victim after he stoned the hippo and scared it, causing it to release the victim from its mouth.” Image: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Missing cruise passenger rescued after over 15 hours in ocean

A passenger on a Carnival Valor cruise ship has been rescued by the US Coast Guard after spending more than 15 hours in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The 28-year-old was with his sister at the ship’s bar on the night of Wednesday, November 23, but didn’t return after he left to use the toilet. According to a statement from Carnival, the sister reported her brother missing the following day. Another passenger on the cruise, Mike Anderson, told CNN that announcements were made on the ship and people “noticed security starting to search the boat with a photo of the missing (passenger) in their phones”. Mr Anderson said passengers were later told their arrival to their port of call in Cozumel, Mexico, was delayed, while his wife said one of the pools was drained. After a lengthy search, the man was finally spotted about 30 kilometres off the coast of Louisiana on Thursday night by rescue crews that had been scouring a 320-kilometre area along the gulf. Lieutenant Seth Gross of the US Coast Guard said the man may have been in the water for over 15 hours, the “absolute longest that I’ve heard about”. He said that “all available resources” were launched to locate the man, including a small boat from Florida, a New Orleans-based helicopter, and planes from Florida and Alabama. The man was hoisted onto the helicopter and was responsive. "He was able to identify his name, confirmed that he was the individual that fell overboard," Lieutenant Gross told CNN on Friday, adding that the man had signs of “hypothermia, shock and dehydration” but could walk and talk. "The fact that he was able to keep himself afloat and above the surface of the water for such an extended period of time, it's just something you can't take for granted and certainly something that'll stick with me forever," Lieutenant Gross added, describing it as “just one of those Thanksgiving miracles”. He said that the case was unlike anything he had seen in his 17-year career with the Coast Guard and “could have had a much more difficult ending”. "It took a total team effort from Coast Guard watchstanders, response crews, and our professional maritime partners operating in the Gulf of Mexico to locate the missing individual and get him to safety,” he said. While the man has been reported to be in a stable condition, it is still unclear how or when he fell into the water. Image: Getty Images

Cruising

Russell to the rescue!

The owners of a UK bookshop owe the renewed success of their business to a surprising hero: beloved movie star Russell Crowe. Leonne and Dan Fridd, who operate and own Bookbugs and Dragon Tales in Norwich, received a huge donation to the tune of £5,000 ($AU 8800 or $NZ 9900) from the Gladiator actor during a one-off fundraising initiative. The Fridds started the fundraiser after COVID-19 saw their bookshop close during lockdowns, only to reopen and face more struggles during the cost of living crisis. With a goal of £15,000, they hoped to give the business “breathing space” and do more outreach work with kids, including bringing in books for children who may not have easy access to the Norwich city centre. But, the Hollywood star’s generous donation came within hours of the launch of their online appeal and bumped their fundraising total to a whopping £19,740. Speaking to the Today Show, the couple said they believe they share a mutual friend with Crowe and have had no contact from him about the donation. "It's incredible what he's done because he's not just given the money, but he's given his name and the ensuing media attention that we've managed to get because of it," Dan said. "The shop has been packed ever since and it's been amazing." Crowe didn’t just give them a financial gift either, with the news of his donation making their story the talk of the town and boosting their community outreach efforts. "This has absolutely given us such a boost and it's just - it's an incredible gift," Leanne said. "We know this isn't the first time he's done something like this to change people's lives," Dan added. "He's not just changed our lives, he's changed the children of Norwich's lives and the people we can reach." Having donated over £500, Crowe is entitled to a personalised gold loyalty card that grants him a lifetime discount at the shop - but he told the Fridds they could keep it and frame it. “I'm sure he doesn't need 10% off purchases for life,” Leanne told the BBC. "But who knows, maybe if he's in Norwich one day he might pop in and see us, but then again, if he did that, we might lose our minds." Images: Today Show / Wikipedia

Books

"That was a scared kitty": Brave Hurricane Ian rescue warms hearts

Hurricane Ian has wreaked havoc in Florida as it made its way through the densely populated city. The category 4 hurricane hit Cayo Costa, just north of the city of Fort Myers, on Wednesday with shocking five metre high waves and winds of around 250 km/h. Videos showing the flow on effects of the powerful hurricane have been shared widely on social media, with one showing a man rescuing a cat warming people’s hearts. “My boyfriend saving a cat from flood waters near Bonita Beach,” Megan Cruz Scavo wrote on Twitter. The man could be seen making his way through knee-high water toward the cat before grabbing it and making his way back to safety. The video soon made the rounds with many congratulating the man for his efforts in saving the poor animal. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> My boyfriend saving a cat from flood waters near Bonita Beach. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HurricaneIan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HurricaneIan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Naples?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Naples</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bonita?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bonita</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FortMyers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FortMyers</a> <a href="https://t.co/BlBC9P1rdy">pic.twitter.com/BlBC9P1rdy</a> — Megan Cruz Scavo (@MeganScavo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeganScavo/status/1575156353865510912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2022</a></blockquote> “That sweet cat was so scared! Your boyfriend rescuing that little feline darling was a beautiful thing. Karma saw it, and will remember you all,” someone wrote. “So good about being slow and calm! That was a scared kitty too,” another commented. “Watching him approach the cat with respect was beautiful! That poor sweetie was clearly afraid, and trusted him to care for it,” another wrote. The storm, which hit Cuba first unfortunately took two victims, before another 23 migrants were reported missing when the boat they were sailing in sank off the Florida Keys. Deanne Criswell from the Federal Emergency Management Agency said there will be “catastrophic impacts” from the hurricane for a while. “There is going to be catastrophic impacts, and not just where we’re going to see the storm make landfall, but we’re also really concerned about all of the inland flooding because it’s bringing with it a lot of rain and it’s going to move slowly,” she told CNN. Images: Twitter

Family & Pets

Hero dad coward-punched while trying to rescue car crash victim

A 63-year-old father is fighting for his life after being coward-punched in the head while helping a teen in a car accident. Rob Seddon rushed to help a 17-year-old who crashed his Toyota Corolla into a caravan outside his home on Skyhawk Ave in Hamlyn Terrace on the Central Coast around 10pm on Saturday. Along with other neighbours, Mr Seddon assisted the teen before they were ambushed by a group of males who attacked them. Mr Seddon was allegedly hit from the back on the head which caused him to fall backwards, hit his head and lose consciousness. He was flown to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition where he underwent brain surgery and remains in intensive care in a coma. Mr Seddon’s 21-year-old son was also allegedly attacked and suffered a broken nose. “I could hear the sheer horrible noises from this guy that was being hurt, I had tears in my eyes, I knew it was bad,” neighbour Diane Gardner told Nine News. “It was absolutely horrible. You could hear his pain and he wanted help.” Police are asking anyone with information about the alleged attackers to come forward. The 17-year-old driver who crashed into Mr Seddon’s caravan was breathalysed at the scene and returned a positive blood-alcohol reading. He was then charged with negligent driving and drink-driving on P-plates. Images: Nine News

Caring

Cruise ship rescues 20 refugees

A cruise ship has rescued 20 refugees from a small boat near Cuba, amid a growing number of cruising vessels assisting refugees they encounter while at sea. The Carnival Paradise was sailing between Mexico and Cuba when at least 20 refugees were spotted on what appeared to be a rowboat. Vici Sheffield, a travel agent who was on the Carnival Paradise during the rescue, shared an image of the refugees online, revealing in the comments that passengers were told the refugees were taken aboard for “their own safety”. “We just saved a boat in distress. Wow. First time for me,” she captioned the photo on her Facebook page, Vici’s Travels. “Thankful they were spotted and the ship turned around.” The boat was reportedly drifting at the time it was spotted, with the Carnival cruise ship slowing and turning around to assist those on board. “In accordance with maritime law, we have taken them aboard our vessel and have notified all of the appropriate authorities,” the captain announced to cruise passengers, per <a href="https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-cruise-ship-rescues-refugees-from-overloaded-boat/77811" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CruiseHive</a>. Though the weather was clear, sunny and relatively calm at the time, the rowboat appeared visibly overloaded and in poor condition. It was left adrift when the passengers were helped onto the cruise ship, with some containers left aboard. Having left Tampa, Florida, on July 20, the Carnival Paradise was scheduled to visit Roatan, Honduras, followed by Cozumel, Mexico, before returning to Tampa on August 4. The Carnival cruise ship's rescue comes just days after Carnival Sunrise rescued 12 Cuban refugees that were adrift to the south of Key West. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> A <a href="https://twitter.com/WPLGLocal10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPLGLocal10</a> viewer cruising on the <a href="https://twitter.com/CarnivalCruise?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CarnivalCruise</a> Sunrise sent us this video from the ship as it came to the aid of 12 men stranded in a small boat south of Key West yesterday. The men, believed to be Cuban migrants, were later turned over to <a href="https://twitter.com/USCGSoutheast?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USCGSoutheast</a>. <a href="https://t.co/2Rd0Uh7wID">pic.twitter.com/2Rd0Uh7wID</a> — Chris Gothner (@Chris_Gothner) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chris_Gothner/status/1553410507079651328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2022</a></blockquote> Mardi Gras, Carnival's flagship, rescued at least 22 refugees in two separate incidents in June, while Royal Caribbean International's Allure of the Seas, Celebrity Cruise Line's Celebrity Apex, and Carnival's Carnival Magic have also been involved in rescues this year. Image: Vici Sheffield

Cruising

Random man rescues abandoned bride

A bride running 45 minutes late to her own wedding after having her own transport cancelled was rescued by a random passerby. Marksteen Adamson was on his way to a friend’s reunion when he spotted the bride looking confused in the middle of the streets of London. He thought it would be great to record her crossing the road in her wedding dress when he noticed her gesturing to him. It was then he realised that he could help the bride, her sister and her friend to get to the church that was only 10 minutes away. "Was driving through London traffic to visit friends for a reunion lunch in South East London when I stopped at a pedestrian crossing and saw a bride looking confused and flustered,” Adamson said in his <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@marksteenadamson/video/7121252884393594117?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7070374670839465473" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> video. "I started filming as I thought it would be a great shot seeing her cross the road in her full attire. Then she saw me and started walking towards me and gesturing. “It turns out that she and her bridesmaid and team had been trying to order Uber cabs but three cabs had canceled at the last minute and she was 45min late for church. “Everyone, most importantly her husband to be, were waiting at Holy Trinity Brompton for her to arrive. "She asked if I could give her and the group a lift, and so they jumped into my Land Rover and I drove her to church. “In our short time together we had lots of quick short conversations about everything and got to know each other a little better and new friendships were made.” Adamson eventually found out the bride’s name is Anastasia, her sister is Alexandra and their friend is Paul. He also said that she tried to get him to hurry up as she was “late for church”. “After I dropped her off I heard the sound of the organ ring out and knew everything was going to be alright. It was a beautiful sunny day.” Images: TikTok

Relationships

Dramatic underwater rescue of unconscious swimmer captured in photographs

The dramatic rescue of Team USA swimmer Anita Alvarez has been captured by underwater photographer Oli Scarff in a series of photos that make for a moment-by-moment replay. Alvarez was performing in the artistic swimming solo free final at the 2022 World Aquatics Championship in Budapest when, at the end of her swim, she became unconscious and sank to the bottom of the pool. Head coach Andrea Fuentes quickly sprang into action, diving into the pool fully clothed and swimming down to grab Alvarez. “It was a good scare,” Fuentes told Spanish sports newspaper Macra. “I had to dive in because the lifeguards didn’t do it. I was scared because I could see she wasn’t breathing.” Fuentes then brought Alvarez to the pool’s surface, where another swimmer helped take the unconscious athlete to the edge of the pool. Alvarez was lifted out of the water and onto a stretcher so she could receive medical attention. In a statement, Fuentes confirmed that Alvarez had a medical emergency but that “all is okay”. “The doctors checked all vitals and everything is normal: heart rate, oxygen, sugar levels, blood pressure, etc … all is okay,” she said. “We sometimes forget that this happens in other high-endurance sports. “We have seen images where some athletes don’t make it to the finish line and others help them to get there. “Our sport is no different than others, just in a pool, we push through limits and sometimes we find them. “Anita feels good now and the doctors also say she is okay. Tomorrow she will rest all day and will decide with the doctor if she can swim free team finals or not. Thank you for all your well wishes for Anita.” This isn’t the first time Alvarez has experienced a medical emergency in the pool, nor is it the first time Fuentes has saved her. Alvarez briefly lost consciousness at the end of a routine while at an Olympic qualification event in Barcelona last June, where Fuentes dove in to rescue her. The 25-year-old came seventh in Wednesday’s competition with a score of 87.6333, with Japan’s Yukiko Inui claiming victory having scored 95.3667. Images: Oli Scarff (Getty Images)

Caring

Group rescued after drawing SOS in sand

Two men, a woman and a toddler have been rescued from a remote beach after a huge SOS was spotted in the sand. The two men, a 19-year-old and a 23-year-old, a 23-year-old woman and a two-year-old girl left Pormpuraaw in a car headed for Kowanyama, in Far North Queensland about 2pm on Friday. Their vehicle was located by a member of the public, abandoned and bogged south of the Coleman River. It is believed they may have left the vehicle on foot in search of assistance. A ground and aerial search ensued before Queensland Government Air Helicopter spotted the SOS drawn in the sand. The group was eventually located safe and well about 11.30am on Sunday. Acting Senior Sergeant Rob Morris said it was important to stay with their vehicle in the event it breaks down and not wander off. "People who wander off to seek help run the risk of perishing if they do not have the adequate supplies or knowledge on how to stay safe," he said. He also recommended having emergency water and food supplies. Image: Queensland Police

Travel Trouble

Man rescues mob of kangaroos from Ukraine zoo

Ten kangaroos have been evacuated to safety as Russia continues attacks in Ukraine’s second major city, Kharkiv. A video shows the animals being transported to a new home from Feldman Ecopark where three staff and animals including orangutans were killed after they were caught in the horrific war zone. A van driver fleeing with the frightened kangaroos says: 'It is one month since the war began and we keep evacuating the animals.' Other footage shows the peace and tranquility at the Kharkiv zoo before the war began. 'These kangaroos are already safe,' said the zoo. 'This is very good, because their enclosures, unfortunately, were repeatedly shelled. 'We believe that now they will be fine.' A statement said: 'Many thanks to volunteers and employees who take risks to save animals, as well as to our many friends - caring people, businesses and non-governmental organisations who help us financially and make our rescue operations possible. 'Your support truly saves lives.' The kangaroos were the latest to be saved from Feldman Ecopark in Kharkiv. Sadly, some have been killed in the attacks. 'We cannot avoid tragedies,' said a spokesman. 'Four fallow deer and three Welsh goats became victims of another barbaric shelling. 'The list of victims of aggression among our pets is growing - it already includes large cats, primates, ungulates, marsupials, and birds... 'Feldman Ecopark has been on the line of fire for the last month. 'In order for the mournful list to no longer expand, we must take out all the animals.' Ten days ago mortar shelling by the 'Russian aggressors' destroyed the winter enclosures of great apes at the popular facility, killing two orangutans and a chimpanzee. Staff and rescuers have recently managed to save rare spurred turtles, along with white-nosed and blue monkeys. The turtles each weighing over 100kg. 'For the first time in Ukraine, these Red Book giants successfully bred in our Ecopark, and we believe that everything will be fine with them.' Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported that the zoo had more than 300 species of animals but were repeatedly hit by Russian shelling since the 24th of February. Click <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/tp38yy/these_kangaroos_were_saved_from_an_eco_park_in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here </a>to see the amazing footage. Images: Reddit

Family & Pets

Sheep rescued from 40kg fleece

A bushwalker enjoying a walk along a mountain top came across a sheep burdened by its heavy 40kg fleece. The sheep, named Alex, was found on Mt Alexander in Victoria unable to walk and could hardly lift his head. The walker contacted Edgar’s Mission who came and rescued the sheep who was in a “worse state of health”. "So weak was he that he could not stand. Not even when assisted to do so, and struggle we did to find a passage in through his felt-like fleece to administer life-enhancing fluids,” the rescuers wrote on Facebook. "Truth be told, too, we wondered at first blush with Alex: Could his life even be saved, and would the kindest thing have been to let him pass from this world? “And then we lifted the shroud of wool from his face and our eyes met, and in that instant, it was so strikingly clear he wanted to live.” <iframe style="overflow: hidden; border: initial none initial;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fedgarsmission%2Fvideos%2F654275415827887%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Alex was taken back to the sanctuary where his fleece which was “sodden with rain, urine, twigs, bark, beetles and maggots” was removed. ”A fleece so matted and dense that at first it stubbornly refused to cede to the shears,” they revealed. “But somehow it miraculously did. All 40 kg of it!” Alex will remain at the sanctuary for the rest of his hopefully long life. Images: Facebook

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"That was a scared kitty": Brave Hurricane Ian rescue warms hearts

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Man rescues mob of kangaroos from Ukraine zoo

Sheep rescued from 40kg fleece