I Drank Turtle Blood & Ate Sharks To Survive: A Real Castaway Story | Extraordinary Lives |
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- Опубліковано 9 чер 2024
- In this episode, Douglas Robertson shares his incredible story of when he and his family were shipwrecked in the Pacific Ocean after their boat was attacked by a school of killer whales. They survived for 38 days in a dinghy with barely any food or drinking water.
We speak to people with a unique life story to tell. From a North Korea escapee to an undercover cop, a Cold War spy to a shipwreck survivor. Hosted by LADbible's Ben-Powell Jones, this series is a window into remarkable experiences - with stories that paint a picture of extraordinary lives.
With 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-...
Host: Ben Powell-Jones, Twitter: @BenPowellJones
00:00 - 00:44 - Introduction
00:44 - 6:33 - Planning To Sail Around The World
6:33 - 13:47 - Setting Off Sail
13:47 - 26:11 - Life At Sea
26:11 - 36:16 - Being Shipwrecked
36:16 - 01:01:13 - How We Stayed Alive
01:01:13 - 01:08:45- Being Rescued
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To license this video please email: licensing@ladbiblegroup.com - Розваги
With 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-anniversary-of-the-robertson-family-rescue/
You can purchase Douglas' book here:
www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Voyage-Lucette-Douglas-Robertson/dp/095427508X
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Douglas is a good story teller I could listen to him for much longer than an hr 😊
Great story, there was a part in there where he explained his father wrote about the experience also, is there a link for that also? Any info would be highly appreciated thank you
would love to read it but at 44 quid I expect him to read the story to me
Uhhhh, how about a 4hr movie!? I'd watch every second.
This story deserves a film 100%
Survive the Savage Sea...film staring robert urich ali mcgraw 1991...based on dougal robertsons (father ) book Survive the Savage Sea
National Geographic did a docudrama
@@danglinglines2377 will definitely check it out
@@amjaff Will definitely check it out
Life of pi vibes
This is such an incredible story and one we proudly share in the Museum. The dinghy they were rescued from, along with a range of objects, are on display in our main gallery. Last year the family spent the 50th anniversary of the sinking with us - what an honour.
Can't find it on your channel...
This is why I read comnents👍
Soooo cool. I would luv to see thr museum some day.
I'm in California
A story of human hubris.
visited last year just re looking at the pictures I took. the dinghy is so tiny for all those people that survived on it. its amazing
He’s my accountant- a lovely guy. Remember him telling me this story when we first met. He’s been through some real tough times beyond this, a true gentleman.
Tough times beyond this!???? This sounds like an absolute ordeal enough for anyone!!!!
It’s been revealed this story is hardly true
@@DatruthBtoldy-do6bl source?
@@DatruthBtoldy-do6bl are u spreading lies, sir?
@big germ - maggy mcguinness came forward 🤷♂️
I read his father's book (Survive the Savage Sea) 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 though our circumstances were quite different, their struggle for survival breathed life into my own. 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 largely 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.
I'm buying a copy.
@@spookshow6999 I hope you enjoy the read. I'm currently seeking out a copy of the followup book by Douglas, which I imagine would be a valuable companion to the first book by his father. I hope he includes some updates as to what happened to his parents and siblings since their rescue in the early 70's, as it would be interesting to see how their lives turned out. Best of luck.
THANKYOU for naming the book 📚! I appreciate how it helped you cope with your bad situation. It's remarkable how stories like this give inspiration and courage to carry on.
@@sherigraham3873 You're most welcome, Sheri, and thank you for your very kind words. I agree with you that powerful stories can be a wonderful source of inspiration and comfort to us in hard times. Good luck with your book search, though I'd gladly give you my spare copy. Lovely to hear from you x Chris
speaking of inspiring stories, the last interview they did on this channel, about a woman born and kept captive in a cult, has a bit where when she finally gets to read some books she finds inspiration and emotional education in them, she finally starts developing a friendship with another woman in the cult which becomes her ally and they finally escape together (sorry for the spoiler) but it's another beautiful take on how books can change everything... @@skylinerunner1695
His parents were different. Bought a farm, no farming knowledge. Selling everything to buy a boat and take their kids around the world, on the unforgiving ocean. Wild at heart !
I'd call it irresponsible.
@chloewright1 it is not irresponsible if you believe you can do it. They were ignorant to what it was gonna be like, but his parents were adventurous people and lived wild
@@chloewright1 don't cast judgement. you'll meet your maker
Sounds like they may of had touch of bipolar....
@@chloewright1 I'm with you on that one. Devastatingly dangerous for children. If they were a young childless couple that'd be fine, but there's another famous story like this of a woman who as a child sailed around the world with her family and it was deeply traumatising for her (wish I could remember her name, she was English too). Constant injuries, some very serious (I believe she had a skull fracture at one point), being forced to grow up far too quickly and basically parent herself, look after her siblings, and try to educate herself because there was no proper schooling. She ended up calling something like childline once they got to New Zealand because she was so terrified, no stability or security.
One hour of my life i will never regret! An honour to spend it with Mr Robertson.
As a Retired Ship’s Captain myself, and also a yachtsman, I found this simply told story to be fascinating. Absolutely beautifully and compassionately voiced by a brilliant orator. I will now search out both books. Thanks & kind regards to all for a great hour spent, Brian 👍☘️🇦🇺
I bet uve only been in a paddle boat
Agreed. Same here!
@@cwstewartjr1973🪱 Maggots gnaw at things greater than themselves.
You should tell your tales as well, I’m sure there is a lot that we can learn from people who spend their lives out at sea.
“And we look back at the sea, the Pacific, and we missed it. Because, our lives had value, everyday, verified, everyday, because we were still alive. That was the simple measure.”
This was really profound for me, it makes me long for freedom and more adventure. To take more risks and be honest with myself and what I want in this world.
Yes, nothing like an extended near miss to make you appreciate life.
But these are not ordinary people. I'm not sure most would have survived.
It does the same for me. I'm gonna seek out sailing school and be on my way
I think the young twins helped keep them alive. Sounds like they were fighting for them moreAs he said they were young not had a life yet
"To take more risks and be honest with myself and what I want in this world."
If you want to be honest, then you should admit to yourself that its a passing feeling. You likely didnt change anything about your life much less embark on a grand adventure.
People dont realize that adventure implies conflict. Its not always fun or great. I've been on several adventures in the mountains. If you're lucky you make it out in one piece and need a week to convalesce. If you're not lucky you die or get seriously injured. Thats why they call accidental death "misadventure"
My advice: Be happy your life is comfortable, that going on an adventure is fantastical. For a proper adventurer it is thrust upon them and it is not often fantastic. Its only after that you can appreciate it. During it its often grim, terrifying with potential for grievous injury.
@@JarthenGreenmeadow Buzz kill. True, many will never venture from their comfortable homes, jobs, routines. It's a matter of perspective. That one exciting weekend trip can be enough adventure to provide tales and memories for months or years after. Others can, and will, go all in - every day will be a grand adventure where they'll experience highs, lows, fear, failure, and triumph. And that's all part of the experience to be remembered and retold later. Most of us (I raise my hand high) will fall somewhere in between. Craving and clawing to experience those moments that get our adrenaline pumping or awe us with majestic beauty. All we can really do is truly LIVE each moment.
No words to describe the intensity of this story, of both beauty and turmoil.
It's a dream, it's a nightmare, it's an adventure.
It's not a real adventure unless you nearly die .
@@lisazinn866lol not yours, or most people's lives. Its not often this happens lmao
“Mankind… Just under the surface… are thousands of years of skills…”
what a great quote
It’s crazy to say: excluding the black man
And y is that😮
wow! i don't think i've ever been more captivated. Douglas tells his story with such skill and pathos. i could listen to him for hours, and would love a Part Two of what happened to him and his family afterwards. thank you!
Yes would love to hear what they went on to do with their lives where did they settle did they open a cafe...
@@teresagalvin6233 and how did the liquor licence work out?! 😆
@@kc4699 I think I'm going to have to buy the book I'm too nosey I need to know more! 😆 nd to be fair I think he deserves every cent he makes more power to him 😊
@@teresagalvin6233 me too Teresa - i don't have the patience & need all the details!
Definately, I agree, we need to know the rest of the storey. Bless them all for surviving a horrific ordeal. Amazing.
What an incredible story and well done Lad Bible for letting Douglas speak about his experience uninterrupted, very good interviewing technique
I felt an overwhelming surge of sadness as his story came to an end, despite it being a happy ending. I think it was the emotion hitting me of what can only be described as an indescribable feat of human survival, love and hope! 🖤
The only thing better than this amazing story is the way Douglas tells it. It’s so well told, you can see and feel everything he talks about!
This man has a gift to tell his story in an utterly riveting way. I hung on his every word and even rewound at times if I missed a few seconds. This man needs to visit schools to show kids that there’s so much more to life than their stupid phones or social media. Show young people that if this seemingly ordinary man could survive such an extraordinary ordeal then they can also do anything they put their minds to. I bet kids would forget all about their electronics as this man tells his story.
The way he explained at the end, after being rescued, and then ironically missing the Sea. And the feeling of valuing their lives, through the struggle. Really just puts life into perspective. We often take the things in our everyday life for granted. It reminded me, I need to take some time each day to be more thankful for the things I have in my life. Thanks for this great, very well told story.
My late dad made me read this book when I was young and it was incredible! My son absolutely loves the book too. Amazing story. And when on holiday in Cornwall we saw the dinghy in the museum, it made it all very real!
My old man made our family read it too. Shortly before setting off on a sailing trip of our own of all things.
I’m inconsolable …. Such exquisite narration about the fine line between life and death … survival has always fascinated me but this has taken the prize … I salute you all …
"Oh they've got millions of years on us" I love this family haha funny, quirky, adventurous souls with one helluva story!! Brilliant!!
I met this family when I was a kid. It was around 1976 or 77 and I would of been 8 or 9. Somehow a friend of my mums knew them and they invited us to spend the day at their farm. It was school holidays as I remember. I think we went there on at least 2 occasions maybe more. I don't remember too much about the visits apart from playing in the barns and going to the nearby river but I do distinctly remember that they had the dinghy in the house. I can see it now. It was at the top of the stairs to the first floor on the landing. The house was a huge place. Onecote Hall near Leek in Staffordshire.
Thank you so much for sharing your memory of visiting the family. It was a surprise to learn that they went back to farming after their previous experience of it, but I suppose they didn't really have any other option. After years on the open seas, city life would be torture! How wonderful they kept the dinghy, and in the house! It obviously meant an awful lot to them emotionally since it saved their lives ❤️
It’s like a real life Naked & Afraid, except times 100. What a fascinating story. I admire people with such courage & perseverance.
I am soooo moved by this story. And what a great storyteller he is 🥺 extraordinary human being. 👏🏽 this story is incredible
Thank you for sharing this unforgettable tale. It was beautifully told in a way that held attention from the first moment to the very last. My compliments and thanks also to the interviewer who had the grace and style to allow Douglas to tell the story without interruption, as many interviewers seem compelled to do. Good job. I'm glad they survived to inspire the world.
Just cooked dinner and listened and watched...so glued to the story
I 100% agree with your assessment of the interviewer and the interviewee. How skilled the interviewer was in large part by simply letting Douglas talk without interruption as well as raising pertinent questions! Douglas himself sounded like a skilled storyteller apart from the fact he was the protagonist of this story. This is a gem of an episode, and I feel fortunate to have stumbled upon it on UA-cam.
Wow! Not only was this amazing story it's the way Douglas Roberson talks about his family and the love and respect they had for each other.
Douglas can really tell a details adventure; I feel as if I've been there. Thank you your amazing story Douglas, if I ever get to Falmouth, I will definitely go see your diggy, Life saving raft? Bless you 💖
I could (and probably will) watch this a million times. He's such a good storyteller!
Bet you dont
Why would u listen to it again? It will end the same way
Absolutely amazing story
What an incredible story! I feel like listening to him tell the story was better than watching a movie.
'No matter what happen,we won't eat each other '.. What a story, thank you for sharing with us man.
🤦
I’ve never been so captivated by someone telling a story as I was listening to Douglas.
I haven't even finished yet and I've come to the conclusion this man needs a Netflix documentary. I scroll down to the comments and lo and behold, the top comment says this needs a film!
Maybe in the film they will eat each other
@@cwstewartjr1973 Anthony Hopkins,Brad Pitt, Judie Dench, Jedward....Can't wait
And the first reply to that comment says that one was made in 1991.
'You are one of our family '.. Amazing people even in hard times.
My God, this story brought me to tears. What an amazing group of human beings. My God. Thank God they all survived. 🙏🏼
What a life this man has lived. I could listen to his true tales for hours.
Truly incredible story. It is utterly astonishing the will to survive. In EVERY survival story, ask ANY survival instructor they will ALL say that the will to survive, that mindset of never giving in, is 75% of what keeps people alive. Knowledge helps, luck is crucial but the will to survive is by far the most important aspect of surviving anything. If you lose hope and give up, you assure your death. What a truly amazing story!
One of the best stories I've ever heard in my life, he told it so well.
He's full of shit are you kidding me ? It's widely known he's a pathological liar and this is all figment of his imagination. Wake up gullible American 😅
It's a dream, it's a nightmare, it's an adventure.Incredible story ,'No matter what happen,we won't eat each other '.. What a story, thank you for sharing ,well done Douglas.
He told his story so well it was riveting start to finish. Never give up 💪
These kind of stories gives me the reason to be thankful for everything I have and never ever complain about anything ! What a incredible story ❤
Respect if you mean those words..very little do people genuinely mean such words..cheers 🙏👍
How has this story not been made into a movie yet? Amazing story
Survive the Savage Sea...film staring Robert Urich and Ali McGraw 1991...based on Dougal Robertsons' (father ) book Survive the Savage Sea
Man this breaks my 🧠 , I’m humbled, ashamed, encouraged, feel love in my heart for life and all in between after hearing this story! Truly astonishing and speechless. The human mind and ability to fight for survival is truly special and maybe we don’t face that enough anymore these days, idk, but feel like you’d be a lot nicer to your brethren after something like this. Unbelievable 🙏
Breaks your brain 🧠???
@@saulmc8920 correct. As in it’s hard to even put your mind in that type of situation that happens to what 1 out of 10,000,000 people’s lifetimes. Couldn’t imagine it myself
Loved your comment.
I wish I could hear a story like this more often. His mother sounds like an extraordinary person
His mom does what any mother does. Just like I'd die for my kid to eat and survive. Inticted into us
@@codylucier4688 most dads including myself too
Due to the length I assumed I'd watch this in 4 or 5 sittings. However, I was hooked and have watched it start to finish. Fantastic, inspiring and incredibly thought provoking...
This is one of the best videos I have seen on UA-cam. I mean it. The way Douglas tells his story and of course the story itself is so incredible. Thank you for interviewing him, and thanks to Douglas for sharing. This made me rethink of what is important in my own life. I was captivated from the first minute to the last.
Wonderful storyteller and a wonderful example of the indomitable spirit of us English men and women.
Dougal Robertson was Scottish, born in Edinburgh and educated at Leith Nautical College.
Indomitable spirit of a Scotsman then 🤣👍
@harry gilman … don’t forget to include Ms Sturgeon. She thinks she’s indomitable also.
Love how articulate this guy is. Awesome story love the way he speaks so clearly
Thank you so much for covering this. This is one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever watched. What a story. Hats off to you for bringing this guy in for us all to hear.
And Douglas has a way of being so transparent and sharing the not so nice parts of life but in a non judgmental way.
I laughed out loud (which I never do whilst reading) I teared up (which I also never do, at any time) I became utterly enrolled in this story and am amazed at the inspiration and lasting effect it has had on me. Thank you. ❤
One of my greatest fears is being on a sinking ship lost at sea. I couldnt even imagine how traumatic it would be to have to endure this. The thought of not ever being on land again and seeing family again. The utter helplessness/hopelessness you'd feel would be very tough to overcome.
I wont go near the ocean
@@Vscustomprinting Lmao meee eitherrrr.
Such an amazing man, story and experience that deserves the utmost respect for enduring and surviving. I was enthralled the entire depiction of this torturous journey. God Bless them all.
I almost cried when his mother gave her hour up for him. What a strong mother
Fascinating story. As someone who's done some survival training in the forces, I have a sense of what he experienced. A wonderfully rich tale of genuine adventure and realism.
What an incredibly harrowing story told by such a jovial, kind heart. Loved hearing this experience, thanks so much for sharing this with us. Riveting from the very beginning to the very end. Looking forward to reading your book Douglas!!
I cried my eyes out at the end!!! Omg
@Dejanae K I got a little froggy throated at the end too
He's lovely, isn't he? I'd love to meet his dad. Above the normal grade as a family I think.
You've got to read the two books... there are MANY harrowing situations & wonderful stories within. Such as one point where Douglas had to row like an Olympian to catch the raft which was blowing away... shark encounters... fishing, etc
The Old Man was HARD MAN! Dougal the Greatest Generation
What a story. What a legend. Gripping. Terrifying. Amazing. What a gentleman.
I was actually picturing the swordfish jumping then Douglas gardening in Miami with no skyscrapers in those days then pictured them changing around in the lifeboat jumping into the dry part then finally seeing the boat that saved them shooting flares talking about wine amazing story beautifully told Douglas your a very brave and lucky man. Wonder is your sister still married to the wealthy guy ?
@@garyhillman4993his sister divorced that guy 2 years after being married. Took half his money and started the Princess Cruise Line
This was INCREDIBLE!!! Such a fantastic story teller. I cried at the end.
I've listened to so many of these stories and I still could never imagine what it takes to survive something like and then to relive it so often.
I bet there’s rarely a day goes by Douglas doesn’t think back to those rainy nights on the dinghy the bad weather wondering if there going to see the sun rising again , my fears would be a giant wave sinking us ! It’s just an incredible story they really must make a film of this I’d luv to see them all sat in the dinghy at night with flying fish flying into the boat , been attacked by killer whales etc etc best story I’ve ever heard in my life , c mon Netflix your on to a winner here call Douglas before the big film companies do your the best at making these type of programmes nowadays
@@garyhillman4993According to other comments, there is a film based on the dad's book "Survive the Savage Sea" (1991). Of course, being Hollywood, they made the family American.
What an amazing tale of survival and fortitude!
Thanks for this. If I'm ever lost at sea, I'll remember he and others survived. They will be a great source of inspiration.
I sailed for 6 years the same oceans from Europe to Malaysia and have been in dangerous situations and had read all those books beforehand. No words can describe my admiration for each one of them. Wonder what happened to the others over the years.
If you haven't read it,Survive the savage sea is Dougal's book and is one of the best books I've read hands down
This man’s story is mind boggling. An amazing story of survival. ❤🙏🏻
What an incredible story and how incredibly well narrated that was. Standing ovation from me. I’m definitely going to Plymouth to visit and see the dinghy.
so many incredible stories - each one of them could have been worthy of a video in itself!
Also I wanted to know how they made it back to the UK after they were saved with nothing and no money? Did the sister stay with the husband happily? so many questions!
@@jennam8401 Survive the Savage Sea...film staring robert urich ali mcgraw 1991...based on dougal robertsons (father ) book Survive the Savage Sea
Fastest 1 hour and 8 minutes of my life. The interview felt short. Absolutely amazing story.
When I was about 11 years old I pulled a book off my parents shelves and read all about a family getting stuck at sea. Now, 40+ years later I listened to this and the name Dougal was familiar. Dougal was Douglas’ father and that was his book from all those years ago. It was called Survive the Savage Sea
Absolutely blown away, and such great delivery. Been spellbound the last hour.
A true story of courage and the will to survive. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I’ll repeat as others have said, this story deserves to be on the big screen for sure!!
it was a movie with robert urich
A remarkable story that had me captured from the first minute. Bravery from all of them in a terrible situation. Wow what a mum!
What a brilliant story , a great sense of humour is a very good tool to have in a survival situation , well done Douglas
That was incredible! What a story of survival and human spirit
Unbelievable, one of the best stories I've ever heard.
This is the most amazing story of this type I’ve ever listened to. I cannot believe this is not a movie yet.
It is. "Survive the Savage Sea" (1991), based on the dad's book.
i did read a book few years ago and i love the story and i was planing to read it again, now i stumbled to this podcast i had tears in my eyes listening in some parts. Thanks Douglas.
You only know what you are made of when pushed to the limits its in us all what a damn legend this man is
I loved the robin Williams bit. "Yes, the robin Williams"
I dont even know what to say. Im kinda in a state of shock. This experience is a testament of human survival under constant dire circumstances. Thanks for sharing.
I was absolutely fascinated with the story and laughed out loud at least twice with some of Douglas Robertson's comments. Found this to be really compelling and watched it in two parts, couldn't wait to finish it.
WOW!!! ABSALUTELY AMAZING STORY!! AND also amazing storyteller! You and your family are my heroes!! If I ever lose hope in anything and does not have to be due to a castaway situation either, but anything in life, I'll remember this! Thank you Douglas ❤
absolutely
That's the best true story I've ever heard someone tell. It's like a Jules Verne novel
I want to know every detail. Wish he could do a much longer in depth recount of the story
His book is The Last Voyage of the Lucette.
This definitely needs to be movie! 💯
438 days in the Pacific! Jose Salvador Alvarenga. Insane story! However.. 38 days I'm sure is an absolute nightmare. Happy you made it!
The story of surviving in the wilderness by drinking turtle blood and eating sharks is both shocking and inspiring, showcasing the lengths one can go to overcome adversity. This story should be featured on OTR!!!
I was so enthralled by this I wish it was longer, I could listen to this for hours.
What an experience and what a man
What a brave , humble , eloquent man .. a tragic and difficult story but I wanted to listen to him all night . Thank you both for this incredible interview .
One of the best things I’ve watched on UA-cam ever!
WOW!! I really truly do not believe I'd of made it. Anybody who thinks it wasn't that bad, well try going one full day without drinking anything at all and see how you do. The thirst alone would of caused me to give up. I just can't even fathom going through all of that and he didn't even have time to tell us the half of it. The starvation, dehydration, the freezing cold, the super hot. They are all things that kill a human but they somehow came together and fought it and survived. Those are some incredible people with incredible will to survive and I believe the mother prayed in silence for all of them.
One of the best youtube channels 👌, nothing better than true good stories and learning life lessons
Thank you Douglas for sharing that story with us, so inspiring.
Thank you to the host for interviewing him😊.
Great video!
Wow - what an amazing story. I was glued from start to finish.
wow, what an incredible story and man. he should be a story teller - i couldnt stop listening for the whole duration!
Have a good day everyone. God bless you all.
Amazing story. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Incredible and inspirational every time I hear this story Doug. You are inspiration and I’m grateful to have learnt so much from you over the years. Your book is great but it’s even better to hear you talk through your adventure.
Possibly the best video I have ever seen on UA-cam. I needed this story of inspiration in my life tonight.
A true story of survival.
Magnificent story telling Douglas.
What they went through is my worst fear. Even the prospect of trying to sail across an Ocean fills me with dread. The most terrifying prospect to me is being tossed around by huge waves in the pitch black of night 🤢
This needs to be turned into a movie