Missing kayaker found safe and well after spending night lost off South Australian coast

A kayaker lost at sea has been found alive and well after a simple crabbing trip turned into a fight for survival off the coast of South Australia.

Goran Radic, 73, went crabbing off Middle Beach, about 50km north of Adelaide, on Tuesday night but did not return.

His family raised the alarm shortly before 11pm on Tuesday.

An infrared-enabled police helicopter, as well as sea rescue teams and water police, searched throughout the night until 3.30am for Mr Radic but were unable to find him.

When the search resumed on Wednesday morning, his kayak was spotted by a helicopter about 2km south of Middle Beach at 8.30am and flown to safety.

Mr Radic told 9 News he was fine.

“Sometime during the night I saw a rescue helicopter and they missed me, so I decided to go to St Kilda,” he said.

“Right there. I saw light there. I thought the light would lead me to St Kilda, but I couldn’t find it.”

“So I canoed back and they found me this morning.”

A police spokesman said Mr Radic was assessed by paramedics at the scene and appeared to be in good health.

“(His) canoe will be recovered,” a spokesman said.

“Police would like to thank the public for their assistance in this matter, particularly those who knew the kayaker who guided the search.”