After making it to the closest road, he was offered a lift to the police station in Baltinglass by “a kind soul called Shay” who was driving past.
“Shay then told me he is currently not working, [which] made his stopping more special, [that] someone with little money would give his last penny to help a stranger,” Mr Ellery said.
Officers at the police station contacted Dyfed-Powys Police in Wales, and Mr Ellery was able to speak to his wife and daughter over the phone, which he said was “very emotional”.
He was then taken to a nearby B&B and pub where the owner introduced him to the regular customers.
Posting on social media, Mr Ellery said: “I’m safe and sound back in the UK, I would like to express a massive thank you to everyone for your kind messages and support that kept my family and friends going during these last few difficult days.
“A special thank you to all the hundreds of voluntary individuals from the RNLI and HM Coastguard that helped in the search along the Pembrokeshire coastline.”
Following news of his ordeal, Taoiseach Simon Harris posted on X: “This is a remarkable story of survival. Welcome to Wicklow Chris Ellery! I’m sure your family and the Welsh emergency services are unbelievably relieved.”
