This is the incredible moment a local who went for a paddle after work was rescued after falling asleep and floating in the water for 19 hours.

The passing boat Wanli Princess 168 spotted Hong Nan, 58, drifting on an inflatable rubber ring in the sea in New Taipei, Taiwan, on July 7.

Footage shows one of the crew members grabbing the man out of the water while the passengers can be heard cheering to celebrate finding him.

The Wanli Branch of the New Taipei City Department said the local went into the sea to soak on a floating device in the evening after work to cool off but he fell asleep.

He was rescued the next day - still calmly lying on the device and waiting for a boat.

The authorities sent him to Keelung Chang Gung Hospital for treatment. However, he left the hospital on his own as he thought he was in good physical condition.

A police spokesman said: 'Hong Nan is a resident of Wanli. After he was rescued, he told officers that after work at about 6 or 7 o'clock, he took a swimming ring and went swimming in the sea to relieve the heat.

'Unexpectedly, he fell asleep while soaking. At about 1:30 pm the next day, the Wanli Princess 168 boat passed by and found him floating at sea, where he had been for nearly 19 hours. He was immediately rescued and taken to Wanli Fishing Port.'

The New Taipei City Fire Department confirmed that Hong Nan was sent to Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. However, he later discharged himself because he was feeling fine.