An Australian sailor, Tim Shaddock, 51, from Sydney, who was stranded for months off the coast of Mexico with his dog Bella, has finally been rescued by fishers and brought back to dry land.
Shaddock had embarked on a sailing journey from La Paz, Mexico to French Polynesia, a distance of 6,000 kilometers, when his boat was damaged. A few weeks after starting his voyage in April, Shaddock encountered a storm which caused damage to the electronics and communication systems of his catamaran, leaving him stranded in the Pacific Ocean. He was not found until July 12.
The sailor and his dog Bella were eventually rescued when a helicopter, conducting surveillance for a tuna trawler, spotted their vessel. Shaddock is reported to be in stable and good health, while Bella is also safe and well.
Shaddock’s survival during his time at sea was aided by his fishing gear, which allowed him to catch fish for food. He also collected rainwater during storms to stay hydrated and sought shelter under the boat’s canopy to protect himself from sun exposure and heat stroke.
In a video obtained by 9News, Shaddock expressed his need for rest and good food after enduring his difficult ordeal at sea. Despite his exhausted appearance, he confirmed that he is in good health.
Ocean survival expert and University of Portsmouth professor Mike Tipton stated that surviving that long at sea requires a combination of luck and skill. He also believes that Bella the dog played a significant role in aiding their survival, emphasizing the need for a positive mental attitude in such dire situations. Tipton likened Shaddock’s rescue to finding a “needle in a haystack,” given the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.
According to Tipton, the chances of being found in such a vast ocean are slim, making Shaddock’s rescue all the more remarkable. The sailor’s survival serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
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