Article It was June 1989 when a married couple embarked on what should have been a peaceful sailing trip. Without warning, their voyage took a dramatic turn when a pod of whales collided with their vessel, causing it to take on water rapidly. Acting quickly, the pair abandoned ship and clambered into a small inflatable life raft. Their situation was dire – they found themselves adrift approximately 1,200 miles off the coast of Costa Rica, utterly isolated in the vast expanse of the ocean.

The couple endured 66 harrowing days on the raft, clinging to hope that rescuers would locate them. Fortunately, they had managed to salvage several crucial items before their boat went under. Among these was a portable desalination device that converted seawater into potable water, ensuring they wouldn’t succumb to dehydration. They had also retrieved fishing gear, which enabled them to secure a daily source of protein. However, with no means of cooking, they were forced to consume their catches raw.

After more than two months adrift at sea, the coast guard finally spotted and rescued the couple. Both required immediate medical attention. They were suffering from severe sunburn and acute dehydration. Additionally, malnutrition had taken its toll – each had shed approximately 50 pounds due to inadequate caloric intake.

Following their recovery, the couple reached a unanimous decision regarding future vacations. They resolved to explore mountainous regions instead, having developed an understandable aversion to the ocean. They expressed profound gratitude for their survival and safe return home.