Maike Hohnen Australian fisherman saves toddler son from drowning in freezing water for six hours after boat crash Date of Birth: . Country: Australia

1. Facing the Elements
2. Enduring the Cold
3. Desperate Rescue
4. Hope Appears
5. A Miraculous Recovery
6. Lasting Legacy
7. Back to the Sea

Miraculous Rescue: Father Holds Son Afloat for Six Hours Amidst Icy Waters

On June 8, 2019, Australian fisherman Make Hohnen embarked on a fishing expedition with his seven-year-old son, Julian, and family friend, Steven Gicocco. The trio departed on their 2.5-meter fishing boat, Formosa, but their idyllic Sunday morning outing turned into a nightmare when their vessel capsized 14 kilometers off the coast of Caloundra, Queensland.

Facing the Elements

Caught in a fierce storm, the boat immediately took on water and sank. Make and his companion took turns holding Julian afloat in the frigid waters, all the while without life jackets. Despite being submerged for over six hours, Julian remained remarkably calm, convinced that help would arrive, as his father later recounted to Daily Mail Australia.

Enduring the Cold

However, as the hours passed, the effects of the icy water began to take their toll on the young boy. He started shivering uncontrollably and ingesting water. "It was terrible watching him go downhill," Make recalled. "He started getting quieter and quieter." Despite Make's efforts to keep Julian's head above water, the boy's condition worsened.

Desperate Rescue

At approximately 1:30 AM, a distress signal was sent from the boat, but it took rescue crews over six hours to navigate the darkness and reach the trio. A coordinated search team consisting of the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane Water Police and the Coast Guard raced to the last known location of the boat.

Hope Appears

Around 8:30 AM, a cargo ship spotted the trio in the water and alerted the authorities. The survivors were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment of hypothermia. Julian, in particular, appeared lifeless upon being rescued and underwent CPR in the helicopter. Make was informed of the potential for severe complications due to Julian's hypothermia, including brain damage.

A Miraculous Recovery

Miraculously, the young fisherman regained consciousness the following day. His first words were to ask his father when they could go fishing again. "I'm just so relieved and happy that Julian is okay," Make expressed. "I would never have forgiven myself if anything had happened to him. I would have gone under myself if he had stopped breathing."

Lasting Legacy

While Julian recovered in the pediatric ward, Make brought him a toy fishing rod to lift his spirits. According to his father, the only scar remaining from the incident is the small mark where the doctors had placed an IV line. Volunteer Kevin Wage, Deputy Commander of Caloundra Coast Guard, noted that the water temperature that fateful Sunday was 21°C (69.8°F), which likely increased Julian's chances of survival.

Back to the Sea

"He can't wait to get back out on the water and have another go at catching the big one," Make said of his son's current state. "The only problem is that his boat, Formosa, is still sitting at the bottom of the ocean." Make added, "For Julian to go through this ordeal and come out the other side stronger just shows what an amazing boy he is. He'll be back out there proving he's king of the deep blue sea in no time!"