Australian Sailor and Dog Rescued After Two Months Lost at Sea
An Australian sailor and his dog have been rescued after being lost at sea for over two months. Tim Shaddock, 51, and his dog Bella were sailing from Mexico to French Polynesia when their boat was damaged by rough seas, leaving them stranded and cut off from the world.
According to Shaddock, he and Bella survived by drinking rainwater and eating raw fish that he was able to catch. Their incredible story was captured in a couple of videos obtained by Australia’s 9 News network. The pair were eventually spotted by a helicopter accompanying a tuna trawler, leading to their rescue.
Shaddock expressed his relief at being saved, stating, “I have been through a very difficult ordeal at sea. I’m just needing rest and good food, because I have been alone at sea a long time. Otherwise, I’m in very good health.”
Experts say that Shaddock’s ability to secure a source of drinking water and his knowledge of how to protect himself from dehydration played a crucial role in their survival. Mike Tipton, a professor of human and applied physiology, highlighted the importance of Shaddock’s positive mental attitude and the companionship of his dog Bella during the ordeal.
“The chances of someone being found in such a vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean are pretty slim,” said Tipton, emphasizing the incredible luck and skill that contributed to Shaddock and Bella’s survival.
The rescue of Shaddock and Bella serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the resilience of the human spirit.