I Was Shipwrecked After Killer Whale Attack & Ate Turtles To Survive | Minutes With |

In this week episode we sat down with Douglas Robertson, who told us an incredible story of his family travelling around the world in a boat that eventually got shipwrecked in the Pacific Ocean after a killer whale attack.
Douglas explained their survival story and shared what he thinks about his experience when he looks back at it now.
Many thanks to Douglas Robertson for sharing his story!
You can find out more information through the National Maritime Museum (Cornwall) where the dinghy is kept to this day: nmmc.co.uk/2022/05/the-50th-a...
You can purchase Douglas' book here: www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Voyage-..."
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[@bobbyshabangu]

This man is a good story teller. I'm visualising the whole thing as he is telling the story!

[@gabepastel3447]

A good story tell with a good story to tell

[@Jiggs2u2]

He had good practice during that ordeal... you heard what he said about the storytelling

[@jojozepofthejungle2655]

He's not a storyteller though.

[@richardsandson]

​@@jojozepofthejungle2655pointless argumentative comment. Just enjoy the video for what it is.

[@JoeThornFreedom]

@richard Pointless Karen comment. Just read what people have to say and stop getting your thong tie in a knot anytime somebody say something you don’t agree with.

[@jamesrichardson3500]

A 36minute story I will never forget. The intellect, bravery and sheer bloody mindedness of that whole family is awe inspiring.

[@newslavecity8311]

ull forget it sooner or later.

[@luciaconn6788]

I loved it when he saw the North Star and realized they were above the equator.

[@melodioushaste]

Through it all, the mom saved enough cloth to make sure they were covered when they were rescued. Brilliant.

[@tiggercampbell6198]

@@melodioushaste turtle cloth

[@gardensofthegods]

@@melodioushaste kind of a surprising detail because during the story none of us are picturing the family ending up being pretty much naked

[@animarriott]

The surviving dinghy is on display at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth UK.... Such an incredible thing to see up close once you are intimate with the story - well worth a visit

[@SaltyMcBoatFace]

thankyou , this is now a must for me .

[@cv507]

and the lücette ^?^

[@denisejustis92]

Experiences like these really draw a family together

[@OfficialSituation]

Those 36 minutes went by so fast. Incredible, breathtaking story

[@JezzaN1]

Agreed - what a fantastic storyteller.

[@naturalPaths]

So true.

[@bri-manhunter2654]

Oh wow, I totally agree!

[@skylinerunner1695]

I read his father's book several times when I was 14 and found it utterly inspiring in so many ways. At the time I was living under the rule of violence from a vicious stepfather, and the book, like so many others, transported me away with this family in peril, and their struggle for survival breathed life into my own, although our circumstances were quite different. The potrait of the 18 year old son in the pages of the story is a loving one, the father describing his son's dogged devotion to keeping watch, his deep anger and sadness at the first ship not spotting them, his strength and relaibility being a huge support throughout the ordeal. The fact that they all lived was due to two things: Dougal Robertson's invaluable skill and experience as a seaman, and the single kitchen knife he grabbed in the few minutes it took for their yacht to go down. That knife enabled them to kill and cut up raw food, cut material for sun hats, cut string and strips of rubber from the inflatable raft to fashion makeshift rain-catchers. By the time they were rescued, the knife blade was all but worn down to a sliver. So moving to get some first-hand accounts from Douglas Robertson, the steadfast son. I still own the secondhand copy of the book and I'll never part with it.

[@michelleMc2024]

You write beautifully. How amazing the strength and resilience of children and teenagers, that they can find refuge (somewhat) in their minds from horrible childhoods, through reading. No one should suffer through violence in their home, especially not children. Definitely going to try and find this book. It sounds brilliant.

[@skylinerunner1695]

@@michelleMc2024 Hi Michelle, yes, where would we be without resilience? I hope you find and enjoy the book, and if I could, I'd lend you one of my copies. Thank you for taking the time to send such a kind message and compliment which I greatly appreciate. If our paths ever cross it would be nice to see what you thought of the book and spend a pleasant interlude enjoying what I'm sure would be an enjoyable conversation. Chris

[@jo-vf8jx]

⁠@@skylinerunner1695 I agreed wholeheartedly with Michelle! Such eloquence. Hopefully, a lot of your pain and suffering is in the past and that you’re now blessed to live in peace.

[@skylinerunner1695]

@@jo-vf8jx That is very kind of you, Jo. Your compliment and comment made my day. I may not know you but I'm sending a big hearty bearhug just the same. Thank you. Chris

[@nataliebierman3067]

I love what you wrote, you expressed yourself with such emotion, you could almost feel what you experienced. I do understand the feeling of wanting to bring yourself somewhere else and wanting to go to a place where you can escape . Books and movies are great distractions ,yet I hope that life brought you to a much better journey! ❤

[@coldisle]

It’s so wonderful to hear you speak Douglas. I’m now 71, and I don’t any true story in my lifetime has been more riveting. I’ve thought about your family’s ordeal many times and I have kept my copy of the book on my boat. As you of all people know, there have been killer whale ramming reported over the past few years, and the news people inevitably describe it as an “unprecedented” event. They clearly haven’t read “Survive the Savage Sea!” The Lucette was such a beautiful boat. Thank you Douglas…absolutely riveting to hear this story first hand from you. Your emotion…still…is so palpable, and deeply appreciated.

[@roberteckert]

Very wonderful man!

[@allwright5632]

Very incredible story! But, imho, if they knew about, and had bought or made themselves "corner reflector", first big ship could see them on the radar as big spot and rescue .... watched on YT channel of one old seadog. so, after closing yacht purchasing , at 1st visit to boating store , he bought one! "without it, lazy helmsmen on big ships can sink me!" said this old man...

[@primesspct2]

Well Douglas at 63 or 73, very few if us have a story like this, nor hopefully will we! The best I can hope to do, is a short story, when something exciting almost happened! Truly I remember when this family was found it made the news, and even as a child i thought. wow! My mom would never let my Dad throw us all on a boat and sail around the world. I was wistful for the adventure, they were a big family just like mine! I thought it was brave, and I thought them heroic! I still do! I have a feeling Mom was talking with our God the whole time, and it was certainly a helpful hand of the divine, along with much self determination, that got them to safety ! After such an impressively long time, lost at sea. Testimonies like this give each of us more courage to face whatever obstacles and hard ships that come, with victory ringing in our ears. We will remember the bravery of other people who have faced such times, and won! Surely if they could make it through that, I can make it through this surgery, or this homelessness, or whatever situation we may face.

[@rasserfrasser]

No comments, just floored. Simply revelational.

[@chrisBaxter-ly8or]

A great Englishman - honest and unassuming - a cracking story

[@davecopp9356]

There are not many of them. A lot of the english fought very dirty during WW2 and during the afrikaan war with the Burs.

[@chrisBaxter-ly8or]

@@davecopp9356 What are you talking about - we had no choice but to fight dirty in WW2 - Britain was the last country standing for quite a while - we had no choice - imagine the alternative - the Nazis had invaded Britain - maybe read more or at least engage brain before mouth

[@jumpinjohnnyruss]

@@davecopp9356 What did they do?

[@helimax]

As a parent, the part about his mother giving up her turn to let them sleep in the only dry part of the raft hits hard. Love is what matters, no more, no less.

[@benedictearlson9044]

Maybe not love but practicality. Not so long ago most mothers in Western countries would have to sacrifice their own food for their children. Mother's would do that regularly and it was their motherly instinct to protect young vulnerable children that made them do if freely. Yes she loved them of course but her decisions would be based on what they needed on that day to stay well not some sentimental feeling.

[@jambiwind]

and her saving the rags in case they were rescued so they could all cover up in front of strangers 😢 seems silly at first but it speaks to how much she thought of their well-being

[@Angelacreatesart]

Same

[@slimpickensrx]

That makes me want to cry thinking about letting my daughters sleep rather than myself

[@MegaUtubenow]

Your reply brought tears to my eyes, thank you and yes Love matters

[@ww3032]

Quoted from Dougals Wikipedia page. “Dougal later wrote Sea Survival: A Manual, and continued to sail until his death from cancer in 1991. The manual was used to help save the life of Steven Callahan, who was stranded for 76 days in the Atlantic Ocean in 1981.”

[@georgiaboniface6135]

Edit: I think this is his son Douglas, not Dougal who passed away in 1991!

[@_MariMaru_]

Wow now that's impressive!!😲

[@99gypsies]

@@georgiaboniface6135 -- Douglas Robertson is Dougal's son and he is here in this video, telling this story -- in June 2023. Dougal died in 1991 -- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dougal_Robertson

[@Jeff-cr9ho]

Omg you’re right! I remember reading Steven’s account of the book in his own book, Adrift.

[@AlWaYsFrOmThEbAy]

I didn't even know he was sick

[@toserveman9265]

I'm 67 and sailed as a teenager, all I can say about this story is " Wow "

[@alejandroumaslay3657]

is this man still alive?

[@MrHip76]

I survived ONE night capsized off OC, NJ and it changed my life at the time. I forget how lucky I was at times until I tell the story to someone and get emotional. This story is INCREDIBLE!!!!!! What an amazing story of survival and perseverance.

[@vivelajonny]

One night? Lmfao. No one cares.

[@kra776jisnik]

​@@vivelajonny more than you ever did .

[@houseofsolomon2440]

​@@vivelajonnyHave u spent time adrift in the water, no boat?

[@chrisberry4945]

My nightmare

[@bcsemotorworks2462]

​@@vivelajonnyJust one night drifting in the ocean would scare the living crap out of anyone.

[@CT613-nq1qo]

I sailed with my family on what was supposed to be a voyage around the world. I remember a day when I saw whales flipping and twirling in the air, up ahead of us. At the time I thought it was beautiful and I pointed it out to my family. My dad's reaction was totally unexpected because he ran to the tiller and turned the boat as quickly as he could without plotting a new course nor checking compass readings. He went in another direction for miles because he knew what whales who were playing could do to our yacht that was only 39 foot long.

[@zimtastic1171]

Wow, what a story! That had to have been such an amazing adventure!

[@robthomas3811]

Pics or it didn’t happen, bottlenose.

[@cplmpcocptcl6306]

Your Father is obviously an intelligent man. I can envision the not too bright getting closer..

[@doggolovescheese1310]

Dang, your dad was smart and probably saved ypur lives, well done

[@EKdlwoasred]

Probably an overreaction tbh

[@Militant69]

An amazing recollection of events told by an amazing man in the most eloquent and vivid way. As he was speaking and telling the story you could picture all of it in your mind so clearly. He has such a calming voice which is completely engaging, one you could listen to all day. Incredible story of courage, strength and sheer will to survive. The love and compassion he has for his parents is beautiful.

[@BrandonToy]

You can tell he has told this story many times and has complete confidence in it.

[@speteydog2260]

I enjoyed it as well. Very scary situation . But they used their heads.

[@sharonmorgan2762]

I agree completely with your description of this man. He is a beautiful soul and it is a privilege to listen to him.

[@juliemcgugan1244]

I was 41 years old when I learned that the doldrums is an actual place. What an amazing story! So glad that this brave family survived to tell the tale.

[@semperfi2023]

Well it's an area or belt around the Earth where there are windless waters, right? So not so much a place as a nautical zone if I'm reading right.

[@LeverPhile]

I learned about the doldrums in grade school (in the 80's) when we learned about Columbus sailing west to find a passage to India.

[@RenegadeSound]

@@semperfi2023 yes the equatorial calms .

[@Giuliana-zx6gd]

“…and we sang with joy!” Is the moment I wept. God bless all of you

[@csjrogerson2377]

As a mariner of 38 years and having retired 8 years ago, I am really grateful for the advances in technology that have been made over the last 50 years. The family survived through a combination of knowledge, luck and sheer determination. Now we have all the electronic gizmos and much better equipment. A fantastic story.

[@MsBizzyGurl]

Whales have the same brain capacity as humans. Imagine your world filled with sonar, large cargo vessels, military testing and trailers spooling out miles of killer netting as well as predators. Imagine trying to live and raise your family in that.

[@steveirwin_8276]

Woah! The fact that it was the day it rained which made him so emotional shows how incredibly significant that day was! Probably the most important day in that family's life!

[@jenaemarieAZ]

Whoa (not woah).

[@Tidoublemy]

You must be a joy to be around..@@jenaemarieAZ

[@chrisnieto5547]

I have stumbled across this story at a very low point in my life. This has helped me.

[@saeidnia1689]

I love the way Mr. Robertson Shares his experience with us I could listen to his calm voice for ever God be with him and his family.

[@LorienInksong]

Wow this whole family is incredible. That's one hell of a situation and story, I'm so relieved they all survived that.

[@JC-du6sn]

Look up Within Heaven's Gates by Rebecca Springer 😇

[@monty0289]

Their book is a great read

[@arrjay3814]

… but don’t forget about the endangered turtles! 😂

[@LorienInksong]

@@arrjay3814 Its so sweet that they felt badly about it while trying to not die and enduring all of that awfulness. What wonderfully kind people!

[@arrjay3814]

@@LorienInksong there is kindest in humanity after all. I think they need to turn this into a netflix series because its astonishing how these people survived this ordeal which would make for an amazing tv series.

[@dougfitch3649]

I am a sailor and, listening to him recount this horrifying story with such a calming presence was a study in juxtaposition. Reflecting this, I now have a sore stomach, a tight jaw, and a sense of calm awe. 😮

[@katherineuribe2952]

By far, the most frightening, harrowing and profoundly human story I have ever heard. The love of his family shines through, no resentment just gratitude and love. I cannot help but believe some divine, benevolent force was protecting that family. This is a story I will think about, over and over.

[@MonstaMunch101]

But you don't think the divine, benevolent force had the power to prevent the whole traumatic experience from happening in the first place?

[@karenparker7830]

I find the comments interesting when persons who do not know God, make assumptions about Him. I believe this family was helped by God. I know I am helped everyday by Abba Father. You have to want to know God and ask to know Him to get to know Him. He will show himself if you ask. The Bible has so much truth and will change your body and brain. Ps 139 He hems us in from behind and before and has laid His hand upon us. (Read the whole Psalms 139 ❤)

[@shipofglory1971]

@@MonstaMunch101 If that were the case… no one would ever have the opportunity to help others in need. This isn’t heaven. It’s the testing place between heaven and hell. Some choose love, others choose indifference, and some choose chaos. Everyone has a choice.

[@JohnJohnson-br7si]

Man still to this day remembers the name of the ship that passed him by, he took that shit personal 😂😂😂😂

[@goldfieldgary]

If one leads a boring life, I'd imagine there's not much to remember.

[@outsidethepyramid]

@JohnJohnson-br7si let's put you in that position in the middle of the sea and let's see how you take that sh!t 😂😂😂😂

[@billyjean5934]

​@@goldfieldgaryyou're talking from experience then?

[@syd1621]

ID TAKE IT PERSONAL TOO LIKE WTFFF

[@bluemountain1411]

How dumb are you

[@Nick-rs5if]

I'm gonna be completely honest, when Douglas said "and, he altered course" - I started tearing up. This is the most horrific and yet heart warming real story I think I've ever been told. I could listen to Douglas tell us stories for days. Absolutely beautiful retelling! 😊 I'm so happy you all made it through alive, God bless you all! 😇

[@TheTradosaurus]

So does that mean you normally aren’t honest?

[@kilnmaster]

​@@TheTradosaurus😅

[@jchastain789]

I love people telling their stories, darknet diaries shares real hacker stories...(crazy) and Shawn ryan interviews alot of military guys and has some really crazy stories on there as well. All th3 best

[@Andmclnpl]

Could listen to this man talking for hours. The smoothest voice and so much positivity. Loved this episode! 💙

[@feliciano9166]

I literally thought the opposite hahaha I’m getting anxiety listening to him …..awesome story though

[@Andmclnpl]

@@feliciano9166 You made me smile... Well, so true that we're all different :) Personally didn't get much anxiety because of the obvious spoiler that they make it in the end!

[@greglivermore6700]

That’s a guy you really want to meet in a pub. What a story!

[@shipofglory1971]

My life is richer from having listened to this amazing story. ♥️🙏 One of the most inspiring stories I’ve ever heard.

[@nnicollan]

Eloquence, intelligence.. humanity. I'm in awe of this man. What a story!

[@beingatliberty]

That’s what a British family was once

[@a.jsendall2880]

As I was building a yacht, and later preparing her for a circumnavigation, I read his fathers book Survive the Savage Sea, and found the stoicism and courage awe inspiring. It also made me rethink what I would pack in the panic bag. Along with fishing gear, flares, first aid box, and a copy of Robinson Crusoe, I stowed a copy of Survive the Savage Sea...just in case. For us it never came to that, but while sailing past the Galapagos toward where Lucette was lost, the enormity of what they did struck me afresh. Absolute respect. For those interested in a similar story, Once is Enough by Miles Smeeton is a cracking read.

[@jeankroeber2481]

Thank you for the tip of that other book.

[@davidpowell6258]

Dougal Robertson wrote a book called Survive The Savage Sea. It was published in 1973 and documents their experience to survive in about 250 pages or so, it is well worth reading if you can find a copy. I learned from this book and others four things. One never give up your stronger and smarter than you think you are. Two some life experiences will change you forever, the things you thought were important or took for granted, your perspective of life , family, friends, a lot changes. One worth sharing would be the importance of a small hand held VHF. In most the books I read, people sighted a ship or boat but they didn't see their flares. I now have an EPIRB as well. The last lesson is easy, without a life raft they and many others would not have survived. Don't be a fool, no one goes to sea thinking their boat will sink, buy a life raft. That was a great interview. Thank you.

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

When he started talking about it finally raining started tearing up about the same time he did... amazing

[@kandiramirez3548]

I can’t believe he was only 18 years old when that occurred…I can only imagine how insignificant materialistic things that we think we need to survive in our daily life have been to him…through out his life after having lived and survived 38 days at Sea in a dingy with 5 other people living off of Turtle blood and their eggs to just survive the day….amazing!

[@schoolinJOO]

okay i almost wrote about this story i read in a literature quarterly however, this is that story 😂 it was in the baffler. i was amazed. this was a story about freedom. and how terrifying true freedom actually is. You’re on your own, your own rules, and the laws of the world, good luck. it really shook me to my core understanding the rewards of living in a society, not 100% “free”

[@simeonbanner6204]

One thing that's not mentioned. His dad had been married before and lost his then wife, child from an attack by a Japanese fighter on his ship. What a weird irony that they were rescued by Japanese fishermen.

[@TheLukasDirector]

Dougal's first wife and son were killed during an attack on their ship by the Imperial Japanese Navy, after which he quit sailing for some time, remarried and had his other children. It must have been quite strange to then be rescued by Japanese fishermen all those years later.

[@GarthWatkins-th3jt]

Wow really? That's profound and shocking in a sense. It indicates things at work beyond the physical realm. Coincidence? I think not. But, I wasn't there myself so......

[@MsMesem]

​@@GarthWatkins-th3jtThe Pacific is overflowing with Japanese fishing boats.

[@GodiscomingBhappy]

wow! got a source for this?

[@MsMesem]

Who do not recognise the ocean territories of other countries and who hunt and kill dophins and whales.

[@iankelley9704]

​@@GodiscomingBhappygoogle Dougal Robertson. The wikipedia article talks about this in the 'early life' section.

[@spittle8]

This is somehow one of the very best stories I've ever heard. I've listened twice now.

[@TinMan445]

I really love this story and the kindness at the heart of it. So often survivors in these situations turn on each other, and the fact Robin made it home tells you about their families integrity.

[@XXKHT]

Brutal! 😬

[@PerfectlyDeranged]

What a beautiful way that he recalled these events. Even being grateful for it, thanking his parents. How amazing they could survive. Well done!

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

This is one of the very best sea stories I ever heard. What a beautiful family you had.

[@olsim1730]

I highly recommend his father's book account of their story titled "Survive the Savage Sea"

[@vell2994]

Of the best? More likely the most terrible one. That's pure horror

[@ogtaylor]

Thankyou, Mr. Douglas Robertson. Incredible.

[@SydneyGirl100]

He tells his whole story on Spotify. I've forgotten which podcast. It is absolutely breath-taking. What a wonderful human being, Douglas is.

[@robertgould8099]

Thank you for sharing your story, Douglas. As a transatlantic sailor who took his wife and 3 children across the Atlantic in a 47 foot sailboat with a sextant, compass and depth sounder for navigation - and sailed from the Arctic Circle south to Portugal, the Canaries, the Caribbean, and the US over a four year period, I can truly say I understand much of what you experienced. The shock of the whale attack and the 36 or so days you and your family spent in that raft and tiny dinghy are a tribute to the determination that you and your family and friend were able to muster. I am in awe!

[@atatterson6992]

Robert, now that you told everyone about your accomplishments... anything else you wish to say?

[@user-vp4ml6wp5o]

Now tell us about your accomplishments at sea@@atatterson6992

[@jadezee6316]

dude i admire your sailing skills but tell me why the whales didnt have the right to fight back against their extinction?

[@atatterson6992]

@@jadezee6316 ha ha ha ha ha ha

[@mattiemathis9549]

My late husband always wanted to “sail the seas”. 😂. Had he been able to live that life, I think he’d have been very happy. Congratulations on being able to give your family an unforgettable experience!

[@jamesbraxton6085]

His mum sounds like an incredible person.

[@wombatburrito5896]

This honestly is the most gripping storie I’ve ever heard. Brought me to tears several times. This man is a treasure and his mother was a saint. Every human being should live an adventure.

[@Badjuju2]

What an incredible story of survival, with all 6 family members making it out. This needs to be a movie if it isn’t already!

[@abbysbud1]

Sir, I’m in absolute awe. Thank you for telling us some of your life’s most important stories.

[@emms4867]

Wow the way he told the story was amazing, would love to see this be made into a film. Incredible story

[@claywebb8199]

It was made into a film YEARS ago, back in the 70’s I think

[@emms4867]

@@claywebb8199 oh really? That's interesting. Do you know the name of it?

[@bobphillips2188]

I wonder - does everything need to be turned into a film? I will watch this video again, and try to adsorb as much as I can, and keep it in me, somehow.

[@eFrog27]

@@emms4867Survive the savage sea. Based on the journal book of the same title by this mans father.

[@emms4867]

@@eFrog27 ah thanks 😊👍

[@tsss795]

This gentleman is my spirit animal!! I'm 35... and when I grow up, I want to be as cool as this man. Bravo, Sir.

[@savagex466-qt1io]

Spirit animal ? What is that ? Iv never heard of that.

[@tsss795]

@savagex466-qt1io it's the idea that every person has.... an animal that they most identify with. It's like.... your soul is closely related to or has characteristics of a particular animal. For instance: I am a fierce fighter, completely dedicated to my family and would die upon any hill I stand for. I'm clever and good with my words but also a trickster. Therefore I feel like my spirit animal inside of me is a wolf, raven or fox. I was using hyperbole when I made this comment though.

[@johnthomas3842]

I am not an ocean guy. It is amazing to me how the family survived. I would imagine they are close knit. That is an experience you will never forget. A huge lonely ocean floating around in a thimble. As a parent, I know their thoughts were of guilt and regret. I would love to hear the story of everything that happened in the years that followed their rescue. Even this cannot define your whole life, it can lead you, remind you and help set a course for the rest of you life. We are who we are because of everything we have gone through.

[@AndrizzleFoShizzle]

How sweet.. And such a mom.. That she saved "clothes" for them for when they were rescued ❤ what a story!

[@pb12661]

that's a mother's love in action. Only a mother would think of/do that....

[@kandiramirez3548]

I got chills when he described the smell of the rope that he grasped onto for dear life when they were being rescued…Him describing the greasy smell of it like it was still right in front of him.

[@martinlatvian5538]

This man is such a brilliant storyteller I could listen to Him forever.

[@salliegallegos918]

This by far one of the most amazing stories of survival that I have ever heard, especially that all six survived.

[@kleenbeats]

A work colleague of mine experienced a 24 hour power outage at her house recently. Her retelling of the events felt similar to this. Oh humanity, how far you have fallen!

[@tiggercampbell6198]

and she ate turtles?

[@BLVCKSCORP]

​@@tiggercampbell6198you have to survive

[@speteydog2260]

Lol 😂

[@kbc1883]

I am laughing so hard. Thank you.

[@MosesMatsepane]

Were there any endangered animals in their story? 😅

[@Comin_at_U_Live]

The emotion as he talks about the rain is amazing knowing this was almost 50 years ago..

[@amaikarai5007]

What an amazing storyteller. I was so invested and engaged during this entire video. He makes it so easy to visualize exactly what's happening. I can't imagine going through something like this. The pure resilience and strength it would take, and must have taken, is immense.

[@acmebrainsurgery]

One of the most riveting stories I've ever heard. This man's mother was a saint, God bless her.❤

[@CFC_44]

Humans have so much untapped potential and we don’t realise the lengths we would go to to survive!

[@scottashe984]

And yet people around the world decide to take thier own lives everyday.

[@jshaw4757]

​@@scottashe984Different reasons mate...surviving and wanting too live and not wanting too live are very different

[@MrMaximino92]

@@scottashe984stupid comment

[@gazzy9136]

@@scottashe984any form of empathy has left the chat

[@DanielRodriguez-ps9fq]

I sit here with tears of joy... what an amazing story of family, love, seamanship, and ultimate survival. I joined the US Coast Guard when I was still in high school and served alongside the best men and women this nation has to offer as a helicopter rescue swimmer truly the best years of my life. We went out to search for survivors in really bad weather hoping to find and bring them home. Sometimes a fellow mariner is better situated to effect a rescue and in this case, the successful use of the last flare and a duty-driven keen-eyed fisherman saved them. I once found myself and my fellow Coasties adrift in a broken boat in the Mona Passage with no radio and getting dark one last rusty smoke flare is all we have... my mates gave me the responsibility to make it work as our hope for rescue flies overhead....yes, I coaxed that smoke flare into life and the helo overhead signaled back 1 hour later we were rescued...

[@gardensofthegods]

How long were you and your fellow coasties adrift in the broken boat ? How far away from land do you think you were ?

[@jeankroeber2481]

So glad that you were rescued.🙏👌

[@mango8918]

What an amazing story told by an amazing man. I can't imagine the thoughts that he and his family must have had throughout this journey. The hardships that they endured and overcame when I'm sure, all hope appeared lost, were nearly insurmountable and yet, never giving up hope. It was truly a miracle that they all survived.

[@christopherj.osheav5807]

Wonderful story. A tribute to the mettle of the individual castaways. Bravura!

[@Michael-0000]

What a remarkable story of courage, resilience, and survival! He started recounting what happened with characteristic understatement, but the emotion and the memories of that odyssey were apparent at the point in the story where the heavens broke and it started raining.

[@Michael-0000]

Characteristic English understatement, that is.

[@martinevans75]

I was on one of the boats hit by orcas in the Straits of Gibraltar. Had we ended up in the water, the one thing I at least knew was that we were in a busy shipping channel and not far from land. What you went through with your family is an amazing tale. So glad you made it through it all.

[@dahjeekwenglee5909]

what happened?

[@RebootTheCatamaran]

People are making jokes about the orca attacks, but it’s an awful thing for the humans to experience 😢

[@gardensofthegods]

Yes can you please tell us what happened

[@Jerry-sy8rd]

They remember….

[@tula1433]

@@gardensofthegodsorcas have been attacking boats lately. Google it. It explains why etc

[@seniorLu48]

Douglas Robertson put it all so well together in telling this remarkable story. And how they managed to create an illusion (the restaurant) in order to keep their minds alive. So happy to hear they all servided, this is one story I could listen to over and over again.

[@crystalwiley855]

This was one of the best survival story that I have ever listened to. And I am so happy that your family survived that.

[@michelewonder5808]

Read this book many years ago and it is a story I have never forgotten. “Last Voyage of the Lucette.” Amazing to hear this story here too. What a feat and this man seems so grateful. Seems his farther taught him quite well.

[@riffraffgolfers]

His memory for every slight detail from all those years ago is remarkable

[@tq6892]

Intensely traumatic experience.

[@j.r.stewart3956]

Massive salute to Douglas and his family. Incredible dedication to each other and the family unit. Amazing.

[@renemartell49]

What a wonderful interview. It’s heart warming to hear how they survived. Such a courageous family .

[@kevdadd1976]

I’m so glad I watched this, the man told his story in such a beautiful way that only he could. Amazing story!

[@Liciablyth]

Thank you Douglas Robertson for sharing your survival. What an amazing family.

[@tsurugizaki]

An incredible story and an incredible family. The resourcefulness and maturity of everyone involved is amazing. I'm so glad that everyone survived such an intense experience.

[@56cdross]

Spellbound, I have been for the entire story. No words. Tears. A bit overwhelmed, after absorbing this superbly told Homeric tale. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@henrycarnill9838]

It is so incredible that they all survived, what a brilliant family

[@sm3296]

Amazing story told so beautifully I could visualize it perfectly. I can’t imagine sitting in water all that time, such a strong family. Mom was a hero for her family and so was Douglas as a young man.

[@redskins1523]

He explains everything as if you're reading out of a book. Legendary

[@vantheman1238]

Listening to this is probably the most awe inspiring story I have ever heard. Been concerned about new year cold calling and sales development for my recruitment business and the upcoming Tax and VAT bills. My ridiculous insignificant concerns pale into nothing. This wonderful story and brilliant man has not only inspired me but also put everything into perspective.

[@SarahArielBelle]

I watched this hanging on his every word! Wow what an amazing family, I love they had the password 'survival' the collective power of their minds and sheer determination got them through that. Thank you for sharing such an inspirational story

[@maha77]

The truth is I generally have no patience for longer videos I've been spoiled by KZbins short format but this video I sat with rapt attention to every second, what an incredible story. I was especially touched by how moved he was when they got fresh water, and the mother's sacrifice for dry sleep.

[@richardhands904]

Think I teared up when he recalled that part.

[@show_me_your_kitties]

Good luck with your impatience ❤

[@TomFooleryTheAustere]

Reject all shorts and TikTok videos. They meant to make you stupid.

[@MikeySkywalker]

The truth is, you have not been spoiled, but you have been conditioned to watch short videos because they generate more ad revenue. The fact that they got you to think it is a good thing is actually kind of scary but also impressive.

[@eminemilly]

​@@MikeySkywalkeri actively tried to avoid short videos but it gets me now sometimes lol

[@notjustanotherbrickinthewall]

What an amazing story! I will remember this forever. Amazing and very brave people. The mother 💖

[@cherylteach-in70berent5]

Thank you Douglas. Calm voice of an experience retold. Appreciation & respect.

[@party4keeps28]

At 19:25 when he talks about food, his description is exactly what I've heard from other survival stories, how the smallest details were of incredible importance.

[@gardensofthegods]

Yes very interesting about that . ... I was a little disappointed that he didn't get to tell us what the first bite of food on this ship or first hot meal on it after being rescued tasted like . Whenever I hear stories of people rescued who haven't eaten properly in a long time I always wants to know what that first meal tasted like to them .

[@marsports14]

What a story of survival. Utterly incredible. The things humans do to survive, when our natural instinct kicks in, from all those years ago when we first evolved on this planet, no matter how many thousands of years it’s been it’s proof we all still have that survival instinct within us. What a story 👏

[@Againstthegrain208]

I still have a signed copy of Dougal's book. It was indeed a fascinating story.

[@shonaaitken7635]

I could listen to Douglas speak for hours and hours. What a wonderful storyteller.

[@andyb.1026]

I can relate to this in a minor way.. 4 crew on a 44ft Yacht in Biscay, the November forecast was very wrong, a TRS recurved across the Atlantic, 75kts winds & 15m waves, the Helm made a mistake & we pitch poled, one Crew went berserk. I had accepted we were stuffed, but just kept on Trying. A Spanish Helicopter lifted us off in ni impossible conditions.

[@10AntsTapDancing]

Read this story years ago and amazed by their survival. It is great to hear him tell the story in person.

[@clairey6407]

What and incredible story, and told so calmly. I was enraptured, it was so moving. I can hardly imagine what it must have been like. What an amazing family!

[@slee4653]

I watch and listen to these kinds of stories because they are uplifting. Sometimes I have tough days, miserable days, not all goes well sometimes. This morning I woke up feeling very sad. I am now uplifted after learning this person had such hardships. I will survive .

[@bath-seba8521]

Amazing interview. What a wise and thankful man. No bitterness,just gratitude ❤

[@brirandall2894]

What a very calming demeanor along with the ability to really have you engage and picture this harrowing experience this well spoken gentleman brought to us with his story. Everyone played a very important role in surviving. I couldn't stop sobbing when his mother would skip her turn on the dry part to rest/sleep to give to the children. What a remarkable encouraging story. 🇦🇺

[@rlpmlr]

What an amazing story! I have watched hundreds of videos about sailing voyages, and this might be my all-time favorite. Simply beautiful! Thank you

[@Nadeshda44]

This is one of the most tragically beautiful stories I’ve ever heard, thank you for sharing ❤

[@joycestempa5647]

A soulfully told story. I kept thinking of their Mother and the silent glances she must have shared with their Father that spoke volumes about their utter commitment to each other and to their children. I can see the looks of reassurance that I know they gave to one another, that they were going to get their children out of this with sheer willpower and grit and they weren’t going to rest until everyone was safe! And, I can see their Mother’s heart skip a beat and feel her exhale as the last person came aboard that rescue ship!! I can also imagine their Father’s pain as he explained to the rescuers how they’d gotten there. And, I can hear the story tellers love in his voice for all things simple, small and useful, like the mere touch of a loved one’s hand! So happy for your successes, Mate!! Well done. ❤

[@dukecity7688]

I sat without moving a muscle while listening to this. Amazing story told with love and honor. I am intrigued by stories of whales stoving in the sides of ships - Turtles have saved the lives of marooned sailors for millennium.

[@ronwatson4902]

That man is a master story teller. It was impossible to turn off. Thank you!

[@dmattlick7990]

Amazing a true testament to the indomitable human spirit and will to survive! Amazing, bless them all!

[@MrMrgetbad]

I'm not gonna lie... But I almost cried when he spoke about his mother giving up the dry patch

[@shababboum]

This mans story was so beautifully told. His face was smiling the whole time. I found it so inspiring and interesting. Thank you so much for sharing such an amazing experience. I was able to picture everything he said like a watching a film in the mind’s eye.

[@raebolton-cr6sm]

I sailed with Douglas on a Bp Tanker in the late 70's or early 80's, I was the chief cook and Douglas was a deck officer. He told me this whole amazing story one day and I just could not believe what I was hearing. What an incredible feat of survival, and when I listened to Douglas telling the story again it was absolutely amazing. The bit when the rain came, 'got me.' What an amazing family and what amazing memories for you all. Thank goodness you all survived

[@jamestollan7294]

Is the book survive the savage sea based on this?

[@raebolton-cr6sm]

Yes it is, That was written by his father Dougal. Douglas also has written one ''The last voyage of the Lucette'

[@raider7829]

This!! Is an AMAZING Documentary. A must watch! I am so blessed that this popped up in me youtube feed! I think it's amazing. I would never be mad at my parents either. It was a voyage of a lifetime. God already knew they would survive to tell this study of Courage, Love and Strength when faced with the unimaginable! Thank you Mr. ROBERTSON ...MAGNIFICENT! ❤