I've heard of similar stories. The problem with such accounts is that people tend to have 'spiritual experiences' in accordance with the tradition that they are brought up in. So, for example, a Hindu in a similar situation might call out to Krishna, and obtain the same result. Therefore, such experiences say much in favour of spirituality and religion, but not necessarily Christianity. They are of course profound and life-changing experiences.

I do think it was better that he personally appealed to Jesus, rather than to anyone else.