A 60-year-old man drifts on sea for 20 hours in South China's Hainan Province and is saved by a passing-by ship. Photo: Screenshot of a video posted by BRTV

A swimming enthusiast in South China's Hainan Province drifted for 20 hours on sea alone until a passing-by ship saved him. 

The 60-year-old man was carried away by the current from the shore of a sea to the northeastern area of Hainan when he was swimming on Saturday night.  

According to a video that a ship crew filmed, the man was slowly swimming toward the ship and was later lifted up by the ship crew with a life buoy. 

"I am out of breath," the man said after being rescued, with half of his body leaning against the edge of the ship. 

He was later taken to the hospital for emergency care. Except for one scratch on his neck, he suffered no other injuries.

His adventurous experience has shocked many netizens. "What a lucky and strong-willed man. He's got a great life story to tell now," read one comment of a Weibo user.