Rio de Janeiro, Sep 6 (IANS): Brazilian big-wave surfer Aldemir Calunga has regained consciousness after almost three days in a medically induced coma.
Calunga suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest and deep lacerations to his face Sunday while surfing in five-metre waves at Puerto Escondido's Zicatela beach on Mexico's Pacific coast, reports Xinhua.
After being pulled from the surf and resuscitated by lifeguards, the 39-year-old received treatment from local doctors before being transferred to the intensive care unit of a Mexico City hospital.
"He was very emotional and constantly thanking everybody," Calunga's friend Caca Neves said Wednesday.
"The doctor told us to tell him what had happened and where he was."