Crews of vessels involved in the search and rescue of a visitor who spent more than 24 hours adrift at sea were this week praised by a government minister for their efforts.

Owen Darrell said that the teamwork of different agencies was an example of “the highest standards of maritime service”.

His comments came after the successful rescue of Hyoung Park, a 57-year-old South Korean national who was reported missing on Tuesday after he was last seen boarding a kayak near The Reefs Resort & Club.

After a prolonged search involving the Bermuda Police Service, the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coastguard and the US Coast Guard, Mr Park was found floating 26 miles south of the island.

Department of Marine and Ports pilot boats St David and St George also took part in the operation, assisted by the fisheries patrol vessel Sentinel.

At 1.42pm on Wednesday, US Coast Guard crew on a C-130 reported spotting the missing kayak 26 miles south of Gibbs Hill and began to orbit the position while a liquefied natural gas tanker, Aktoras, diverted to pick up Mr Park.

The vessel, which had completed a crew transfer just east of Bermuda in the morning, was travelling between the US and Poland.

It was reported by the Department of Marine and Ports Services that by about 4pm, the captain of Aktoras advised that Mr Park was safely recovered on board and being assessed in the ship’s hospital.

It added that the tanker was making its way to drop off the survivor before resuming its voyage.

Mr Park was transferred to the pilot boat St George, which brought him to shore.

Mr Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, said yesterday: “We extend our sincere gratitude to teams who assisted in the co-ordinated rescue effort, Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre, Bermuda Coastguard, Norfolk Virginia Search and Rescue, and the crew of the pilot boat St George, for your swift and courageous actions during the recent rescue operation.

“Your professionalism and dedication were instrumental in bringing Mr Park safely back from danger after he had drifted at sea.

“Your teamwork exemplifies the highest standards of maritime service, and reflects great credit upon yourselves and the broader marine rescue service.”

When he arrived to St George’s on Wednesday evening, setting foot on solid ground, Mr Park thanked his rescuers, including the crew of Aktoras.

He said then: “All the team, they gave me a warm heart; they saved my life.

“They gave me a second chance — a second life.”