Debbie Kiley – 5 Days in Shark infested waters

Debbie Kiley - 5 Days in Shark infested waters

( Deborah scaling kiley  1958 – 2012)

 

Debbie Kiley was born in Texas in 1958, and from an early age developed a love for sailing. She would often go out with her parents and when she was old enough to get a job, started working as a crew member on various yachts. In 1981 she was the first American woman to complete the Whitbread Round the World Race when she was working as a cook on a South African ship called the Xargo.

 

In October of 1982, she was hired to be part of the crew for a 58-foot sailing yacht called the “Trashman”. It was a pretty standard trip, taking the yacht from Maine to Florida where Debbie would then transfer back home by land.

 

After leaving Maine, the crew of 5 made a quick supply stop in Annapolis, Maryland to get ready for the next big section of the voyage. During the passing through the Gulf Stream off the coast of North Carolina, a storm set in and huge waves caused the deck to be filled with water, which quickly broke through and flooded the interior.

 

The crew could see the ship was going to sink, so boarded the 11-foot-long Zodiac they had with them, which is a small inflatable launch boat. Since the trashman went down quite fast, the crew didn’t have much time to gather supplies and barely had enough water to last the 5 of them no more than 3 days. One of the crew members was badly hurt during the escape to the Zodiac and had numerous cuts from being bounced around the ship.

 

When the storm settled they finally realized just how serious their situation was, with next to no food and little water to last until rescue, if it ever came. They didn’t have a radio and had no way of reporting they were missing, and it would most likely be days before they missed their check-in and a search party was dispatched.

 

On the 3rd day, water had run out, and 2 of the crew members became so thirsty they drank seawater. This caused their mental states to break down to the point they both jumped overboard and began to swim, which is when the 2 of them were taken by sharks and eaten alive right in front of the other terrified crew members.

 

The next day the crew member that was injured in the yacht’s sinking died a very painful death from mass infection of his wounds that had also been regularly splashed with salt water. Debbie recalls saying the lord’s prayer over and over as a way to try and stay sane, but at this point, she was certain they were all going to be dead soon.

 

On the 5th day, Debbie and the other crew members were spotted by a passing Soviet cargo ship that picked them up and dropped them off to the nearest US authorities. Apart from being seriously dehydrated and shaken up, they were otherwise fine.

 

Debbie Kiley later wrote a book about her experience called “The True Story of a Woman’s Survival at Sea” which was later turned into a film called “Two Came Back”. Debbie Kiley passed away on August 13, 2012.

 

 

 

Different Tree Saps and What to Do With Them

Different Tree Saps and What to Do With ThemTree saps are a fascinating and versatile resource that bushcrafters and outdoor enthusiasts have relied on for centuries. They serve a variety of purposes, from providing sustenance to creating tools and even aiding in...

How to Look After Your Feet on a Long Hike

How to Look After Your Feet on a Long HikeHiking is a rewarding outdoor activity that connects you with nature and challenges your physical limits. However, your feet bear the brunt of the effort, carrying you mile after mile over varied terrain. Taking care of them...

How Long Could Someone Survive on a Space Station Without support?

How Long Could Someone Survive on a Space Station Without support?The International Space Station (ISS) represents one of humanity's greatest engineering achievements, orbiting approximately 420 kilometers (260 miles) above Earth. While it’s designed to support...

5 Animals That Have Saved People in Survival Situations

5 Animals That Have Saved People in Survival SituationsThroughout history, animals have amazed us with their ability to form deep bonds with humans. These relationships go beyond companionship; animals have often played critical roles in saving people’s lives,...

The 5 Best Leaders in Survival Situations

The 5 Best Leaders in Survival SituationsSurvival in extreme situations tests not only the physical endurance of individuals but also their leadership qualities. History offers countless examples of leaders who guided their teams through harrowing conditions, using...

How Much Do Rescuers Get Paid?

How Much Do Rescuers Get Paid?Rescue workers play a vital role in ensuring the safety of those in peril, often in the most challenging and dangerous environments. Whether it's saving lives at sea, in the mountains, or during natural disasters, their work is critical...

Bushcraft Terminology

Bushcraft TerminologyWhen starting a new hobby it can be daunting to hear a load of words you don't know the meaning of. Bushcraft is no different and even though it's one of those things that you can mostly teach yourself, there will be words you might not be able to...

Survival Lessons from Ancient Civilizations

Survival Lessons from Ancient CivilizationsFor thousands of years, human survival depended on a deep understanding of the natural world and the ability to adapt to ever-changing environments. Long before the advent of modern tools and technology, ancient civilizations...

Could Humans Have Survived Living Alongside the Dinosaurs?

Could Humans Have Survived Living Alongside the Dinosaurs?The idea of humans coexisting with dinosaurs has long been a fascination of science fiction, popularized by films like Jurassic Park. But what if it wasn’t just fiction? Could humans have survived alongside the...

How much food can you grow in a bunker?

How much food can you grow in a bunker?In 2023, the global bunker-building industry was valued at just over 23 billion USD; by 2030 it's expected to be over 36 Billion. This rise in bunker building is mostly due to the world elite, who are becoming increasingly...