Scores of well-wishers turned out on Saturday to greet fisherman Robert (Bobby) Lambe as he returned home after his 20-hour ordeal floating in the Atlantic.

He flew in on the British Airways flight from London after being rescued last Wednesday and taken to Spain by American naval hospital ship Comfort.

Still dressed in his US Navy-issue overalls, Mr. Lambe declined to talk to reporters but best friend Dwayne Basden said he was amazed Mr. Lambe had survived. He said: "I am overwhelmed, just happy to see him. We have done a lot together, we have dived and caught lobsters together.

"It just surprised me he lasted that long. He's dived many times with me in the past and after a couple of hours he's complaining the water's cold and saying `let's pack up and go home'.

"So for him to last that long without a wet suit? At this time of year it's cold with a wetsuit so for him to survive without a wet suit is phenomenal."

Mr. Basden said he had planned to go to Miami to buy a boat with his friend but the arrangements fell through and Mr. Lambe ended up making his fateful journey.

He said: "He was supposed to be my surveyor to see if it was worthy of buying but it never really worked out. He told me he needed to go and get a boat. I told him if you have business to do then go."

Friends and family turned out in large numbers for the welcome home.

Sharon Mallory told The Royal Gazette: "I am so glad he's back. He's like a brother to me. I am sure he is going to go home and relax for a whole week or so."

Mr. Lambe's auntie Helen Thompson: "I am very happy to see him back."

The crowd also included strangers. One, Oliver Furbert, said: "I don't know him at all. I came just because of what I read in the paper. I just thank God he's alive - that's why he's alive. And he knows it, he prayed while he was there. He's blessed."

A tearful Captain Rudy Richardson said he hadn't been out with Mr. Lambe for some time but he added: "I would always take him with me as a mate. He's very, very knowledgeable."

Minister for Labour and Home Affairs Terry Lister and his Permanent Secretary Robert Horton went to the airport to greet Mr. Lambe of Beach Estate, Somerset.

Mr. Horton said: "I was present when he was reunited with his parents. It was very emotional, very moving.

"I have no doubt that he was very glad to be home. His parents were overwhelmed, and relieved and thankful to have him back."

Asked about Mr. Lambe's plans Mr. Horton said: "I think he's actually looking forward to returning to sea. But I really can't say when.

"I think he simply wants a quiet time with his family."

Mr. Lambe was on board his boat New Nuts with his friends and crewmen Alan Edness, 56, and Micah Battersbee, 29, last Tuesday night when a freak wave overturned the boat, causing it to sink about 20 minutes later. Mr. Edness and Mr. Battersbee were lost at sea.

Mr. Horton said: "I know he's very, very anxious to meet with the family of his very close friends. One of the first things he talked about was his friends."