Ruby Anderson

Glenn pushes Ruby up into the rescuer's outstretched arms.

Then he climbs up after her and collapses onto the deck of the boat.

Almost immediately, the emotion that he's been keeping at bay surges to the surface.

It's a few hours later.

After being picked up by Sea Rescue, Glenn and Ruby were promptly airlifted and flown to hospital in Perth.

Upon arrival in the emergency room, medical staff checked their vital signs and took blood tests.

As well as her broken leg, Ruby was indeed suffering the effects of hypothermia.

Fortunately, no lasting damage was done.

Doctors informed Glenn that he is displaying symptoms of starvation.

Such was the toll that the four-hour swim took on his body.

They also learn about the fate of the others.

Apparently Dane and the two other crewmates were picked up by Sea Rescue two hours before Ruby and Glenn were found.

Ironically, they might have been rescued sooner had they stayed put.

But then maybe the exertion helped stave off the worst effects of hypothermia.

There's ultimately no way of knowing, and no point dwelling on what-ifs.

All that matters is that they're safe.

After leaving hospital, Glenn and Ruby return home to Busselton.

Life returns to normal.

Except, in many small ways, it doesn't.

For Glenn, the afterglow of survival casts everything in a new light.