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BANGKOK - An Australian yachtsman has been rescued by Thai marine police after spending three weeks adrift with no engine on a voyage from Australia to the southern Thai city of Phuket.
The lone sailor, named as 52-year-old Rocky Donald, had survived on rain water and instant noodles after his rations and drinks ran out.
He was battered by heavy storms for several days before being rescued last night about 5.5 kilometres off Patong Beach.
A Marine Police spokesman told AAP that the yacht had been towed to Chalong Bay pier for repairs.
The sailor said his yacht's engine broke down three weeks ago while he was sailing to Phuket, and that he had been unable to send out SOS messages because of heavy storms.
He managed to contact a fishing boat yesterday, and its Thai crew alerted the Marine Police who immediately launched a rescue operation.
- AAP
