An American sailor who was rescued after two months lost at sea apologised to his father for not bringing his boat home.

In a touching audio conversation, Louis Jordan, aged 37, said to his father: ‘I couldn’t fix it. I couldn’t sail back the boat, I’m sorry. It’s such a big loss.’

His father Frank Jordan said: ‘Here Louis, you’re fine son. I’m so glad you’re alive. We prayed and prayed and hoped you were still alive. That’s all that matters.’

Listen to the audio from the first contact in 66 days between Frank Jordan and his son

Louis Jordan

Louis and his sailing vessel Angel were initially reported missing by his family to the United States Coast Guard on 29 January.

A passing German container ship spotted him sitting on the hull of his upturned boat last Thursday, 2 April, approximately 200 miles off the North Carolina coast.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard 5th District Command Center in Portsmouth received notification from the 1,085ft container ship Houston Express at approximately 1:30pm on Thursday.

The container ship crew had spotted Louis and the stricken yacht approximately 200 miles east of Cape Hatteras and had taken him aboard.

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew launched from Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, at approximately 3:40pm.

The helicopter crew met the Houston Express, hoisted the man and transported him to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, arriving around 7:30pm.

US Coast Guard medevacs sailor missing for more than 60 days. Credit: US Coast Guard/Walter Shinn

Frank Jordan thanked the rescuers. He told the container ship captain: ‘You’re a good man, I swear.

‘You did what you’re supposed to do and I sure do appreciate it and I know my son appreciates it. I’m grateful.’

On his Facebook page, Louis Jordan said: ‘Thanks to everyone for their love & support. I’m writing a book on my experiences on the ocean & w/ the boat.’