A stranded sailor and his dog were successfully rescued in the South Pacific Ocean after being stranded at sea for several months. Tim Shaddock, aged 51, embarked on his journey from La Paz, Mexico, along with his dog Bella, three months ago. Around a month into their voyage, a severe storm hit their white catamaran, causing the loss of all electronic equipment. Shaddock managed to survive for three months at sea by consuming raw fish and collecting rainwater.
Over the weekend, a Mexican tuna trawler rescued Shaddock. “I have endured an incredibly challenging ordeal at sea,” Shaddock expressed. He mentioned having fishing equipment and other survival gear at his disposal.
“I am in need of rest and proper nourishment because I have spent a significant amount of time alone at sea,” he added. “I have been lacking sufficient food for an extended period.”
A doctor who attended to Shaddock aboard the trawler confirmed that the sailor’s vital signs were normal. Shaddock and Bella were initially spotted earlier in the week by a helicopter accompanying a tuna trawler en route to Mexico. The exact departure date from Mexico and the precise location of their rescue remained unclear. The trawler was heading back to the western coast of Mexico, where Shaddock would receive further medical attention.
To protect himself from sunburn, Shaddock took cover under the canopy of his boat, sustained himself by consuming raw fish, and relied on rainwater for hydration. Professor Mike Tipton, a physiology expert at the University of Portsmouth in the UK, explained that sunburn could impact the body’s ability to regulate temperature. However, Shaddock managed to perspire approximately one to two liters per hour, provided he remained at rest and kept cool.
“In a state of complete rest and cool surroundings, it’s possible to survive with as little as 110 to 220 milliliters of water per day,” Professor Tipton stated.
In addition to caring for himself, Shaddock also had to ensure the well-being of his dog. Professor Tipton highlighted that having the company of Bella played a role in their survival.
“The presence of the dog provided companionship. Once you have enough food and water, the dog can be advantageous,” explained Tipton. “Your ability to survive depends on your ability to collect water, find occasional food, and engage in activities that maintain a positive mindset,” he added.
Professor Tipton noted that locating Shaddock amidst the vast Pacific Ocean was akin to finding a needle in a haystack, particularly since the helicopter was not actively searching for him.
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“It was a combination of luck and Shaddock’s actions,” Tipton concluded.
