Australian Sailor Rescued After Three Months Adrift in the Pacific Ocean with his Dog Bella
Australian sailor, Timothy Shaddock, is counting his blessings after being rescued from the Pacific Ocean, where he spent three harrowing months adrift. Shaddock’s catamaran was disabled by a storm in the early stages of his journey from La Paz, Mexico, to French Polynesia, leaving him without fresh water or a way to cook.
Living off rainwater and raw fish, Shaddock managed to survive the grueling conditions until he was finally rescued by a Mexican tuna trawler named Maria Delia, approximately 1,200 miles from shore. The 54-year-old sailor touched dry land for the first time in Manzanillo, Mexico, on Tuesday, thanking the crew of the Maria Delia and expressing his deep gratitude for being alive.
Shaddock, who had a passion for solitude and sailing, embarked on the journey in April with his loyal companion, Bella, a dog he had found in the middle of Mexico. Bella refused to leave his side and accompanied him throughout the journey.
However, disaster struck about a month into their voyage when a storm damaged their catamaran, leaving them adrift with no electronics. Shaddock found solace in Bella’s company and took comfort in swimming in the sea. Despite his positive outlook, he was hungry and in poor health, questioning whether he would survive.
Fortunately, a helicopter accompanying the Maria Delia, which was on a tuna fishing mission, spotted Shaddock and initiated a rescue mission. In an emotional moment captured on camera, crew members reached out to save Shaddock, and he expressed his overwhelming gratitude.
Photos shared by Grupomar, the company that operates the Maria Delia, showed a thin but smiling Shaddock aboard the vessel, with Bella by his side. The company announced that they had informed the authorities and the Australian Embassy to facilitate his return home.
Shaddock and Bella posed for photographs with their rescuers, as the crew members beamed with joy while holding the beloved dog. Bella made quite an impression on the crew members, and Shaddock decided to entrust her to one of them on the condition that she would be well taken care of.
Reflecting on Bella’s bravery and resilience, Shaddock stated, “She’s a lot braver than I am, that’s for sure.” Both Shaddock and Bella are now on the road to recovery, grateful for the unexpected second chance at life.
The incredible tale of survival against all odds serves as a reminder of the indomitable human spirit and the unwavering bond between a man and his loyal companion.