The man who rescued a top sailor from the swells of Omaha Beach has recalled hearing the seaman's screams for help as he sprung into action.
Former America's Cup sailor Simone de Mari sustained a spinal injury on March 3 and was brought into shore by a civilian.
Speaking to Stuff, the civilian, who didn't not want to be named as to avoid any fuss, said he was out for a swim when he heard the cry for help.
"I was the first to the scene in the water ... I swam to him and swam him into shore.
"The lifeguards came down once we got him onto the beach."