Ep3: Seventy-Six Days Adrift - Steven Callahan's Atlantic Odyssey Podcast By cover art

Ep3: Seventy-Six Days Adrift - Steven Callahan's Atlantic Odyssey

Ep3: Seventy-Six Days Adrift - Steven Callahan's Atlantic Odyssey

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 When naval architect Steven Callahan's self-designed sailboat Napoleon Solo sank after a whale collision in February 1982, his Atlantic crossing became an extraordinary test of human endurance. For 76 days, Callahan survived on a six-foot inflatable life raft nicknamed "Rubber Ducky," drifting 1,800 miles before his rescue near Guadeloupe. What distinguishes his survival story is his methodical approach and meticulous documentation—keeping a waterproof logbook throughout his ordeal—combined with his technical expertise as a sailor and boat designer. Callahan developed sophisticated systems for collecting water through solar stills, hunting fish with a makeshift spear, navigating, and maintaining his failing raft. Despite losing one-third of his body weight and suffering from exposure, dehydration, and salt sores, he maintained both physical survival and remarkable psychological resilience. His 1986 book "Adrift: 76 Days Lost at Sea" became a survival classic that influenced maritime safety practices and continues to offer insights into human adaptability in extreme circumstances.
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup
No reviews yet