raft of waterbeds was cut short this week...by a sinking feeling.

For the American's ambitions to cross the Atlantic came apart at the seams -- literally -- as five of the 11 mattresses broke loose.

Accepting his plan was a wash-out, he sent out distress signals which were picked up by a satellite tracking citizen.

The Ecuadorean cargo ship, Rio Guayas , picked him up about 1,500 miles south of Bermuda following a request by the US Coast Guard.

A Harbour Radio spokesman said the man appeared to be none the worse for wear, and was now en route to Croatia.