NZer and Aussie arrive in Sydney after sea ordeal

SYDNEY - A New Zealander and an Australian rescued off Vietnam after 11 days on a life raft arrived at Sydney International Airport today on a flight from Hanoi.

New Zealander Steven Freeman and Australian Mark Smith were on December 18 found clinging to a life raft off an island 55km from the Vietnamese mainland and were treated for a week at a small medical clinic.

A New Zealand diplomat said on Monday that the pair had secured exit visas and were waiting to arrange a flight out to Australia.

Mr Smith, 49, from Hobart, told reporters on arrival that the pair had endured "a living hell".

"We just stuck together. We're pretty hardened seamen," he said.

Mr Smith said he was looking forward to seeing his two beautiful children when he returns to Hobart tomorrow.

"The thought of them kept me going," he said.

The pair survived in a life raft with no food or water when their yacht sank.

They were hired to go to Hong Kong and deliver the yacht to its new owner in Sydney.

The pair left port on December 5 and heavy rain struck the next day sinking the yacht.

Mr Freeman, 30, said he was feeling good after almost two weeks recuperating in Vietnam.

Both men said they were eager to get back to the water.

- AAP