'Heidi saved my life': Fisherman who feared he would die after his boat capsized praises his heroic German Shepherd who trod water for ELEVEN HOURS before leading rescuers to her owner
- Lance Schloss's boat capsized leaving him stranded for 15 hours on Wednesday
- The 63-year-old feared the worst as he clung to the boat before he was found
- Heidi, his German Shepherd, trod water for 11 hours which alerted authorites
- Mr Schloss was found about 10.25am on Wednesday and thanked rescuers
A fisherman who spent 15 hours in freezing water has credited his German Shepherd with saving his life.
Lance Schloss fell into the ocean when huge waves tipped his boat over in Moreton Bay, Queensland, on Wednesday.
Mr Schloss' German Shepherd Heidi trod water for 11 hours before a fisherman spotted her about 6am on Thursday.
The fisherman alerted authorities and a desperate search began for Mr Schloss.
Mr Schloss' German Shepherd Heidi trod water for 11 hours before a fisherman spotted her about 6am on Thursday
A Rescue 500 helicopter, four police vessels, Marine Safety Queensland jet ski, Volunteer Marine Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue were all used in the search for the missing man.
The search team found several items which indicated that the boat and its owner was in trouble.
They eventually found the 63-year-old clinging to a sunken 4.1 metre vessel about 10.25am.
He was taken to hospital to be checked and was not seriously injured. Heidi was also taken to the vet and was uninjured.
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'Ever since these guys found me it’s been a great relief,' the 63-year-old told The Today Show.
'Anything could happen out there but it all worked out in the end.'
Mr Schloss said he got into trouble when large waves toppled his boat.
'I just got swamped and tipped completely out,' he said.
'It was a matter of staying with the boat...and make myself as comfortable as possible for the night.'
In the back of his mind Mr Schloss was worried about sharks and other dangerous sea animals but he had faith that nothing would happen to him.
'You take as many precautions as you can, and trust in luck, trust in God,' he said.
'But it worked out fine. That's why I stayed as close as possible to the boat and got out of the water as soon as I could, climbed up on top.'
Mr Schloss, 63, was found clinging to his sunken 4.1 metre boat (pictured) about 10.25am
The pair were reunited (pictured) following the extensive ordeal
Mr Schloss was stranded out at sea for 15 hours before he was located by Queensland Water Police about 10.25 am on Thursday.
He was taken to hospital and was not seriously injured. Heidi was also taken to the vet and was uninjured.
Senior Sergeant Jay Bairstow told the program that Heidi saved Mr Schloss's life and commended the rescue team for their hard work and dedication.
'Without Heidi, we wouldn't have known we had to search for Lance,' he said.
'I think it was just the dedication of all the Water Police staff, the volunteers, both Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue and other Government agencies who continued to search until they found a result.'
Senior Sergeant Jay Bairstow (left) said that Heidi saved Mr Schloss's (right)life and commended the rescue team for their hard work and dedication
He said it was important for boat owners to be prepared for the worst no matter where they are going.
'We would take this opportunity to remind boaties to plan for the worst when they're out on the water,' he said.
'Always wear personal flotation device and ensure that your safety equipment, including EPIRBs, are tested and in good order.
'Thankfully there was a happy ending to this search and Heidi was able to be our honorary PD for the day.'
