Rescued surfer Matthew Bryce, who was stranded in the Irish Sea for over 30 hours, has thanked his rescuers from his hospital bed.

The 22-year-old said those who rescued him were his heroes after he was airlifted to safety at 7.30pm last night 13 miles from the Argyll coast.

He is currently in a stable condition at Ulster Hospital in Dundonald, County Down in Northern Ireland.

His parents, John and Isabella Bryce, are on their way to Northern Ireland to be by their son's side.

Matthew said: “I am so grateful that I am now receiving treatment in hospital.

"I cannot thank those enough who rescued and cared for me, they are all heroes.

"For now, I am not facilitating any interviews as I am exhausted.

"Please respect the privacy of myself and my family at this time as I recover."

Glasgow Times:

Bryce was initially reported missing by his family when he failed to return from a surfing trip off the Argyll coast of Scotland on Sunday afternoon.

Police Scotland launched an investigation into the disappearance after becoming concerned that the 22-year-old was last seen at around 9am on Sunday in the St Catherines area, believed to be heading to Westport Beach near Campbeltown.

The coastguard also launched a large-scale search, with rescue teams from Campbeltown, Southend, Gigha, Tarbert and Port Ellen all involved.

He was eventually found by a search and rescue helicopter before he was rushed to a Belfast Hospital for treatment for hypothermia. The coastguard said his body temperaturewas very low.

The coastguard believe his knowledge and wetsuit saved his life.

Conditions in the Irish Sea were also “fairly benign” throughout Monday.