The Human Spirit

Steve Callahan

In 1982 Steven Callahan was crossing the Atlantic alone in his sailboat when it struck something and sank. He was out of the shipping lanes and floating in a life raft, alone. His supplies were few. His chances were small.

After exhausting the meager food supplies he was able to salvage from the sinking sloop, Callahan survived by "learning to live like an aquatic caveman."

No rescue was initiated. Drifted with South Equatorial Current and trade winds, the sea life was part of eco system of 3300 kilometers across the Ocean.

Though there is no chance, He routinely exercised, navigated, prioritized problems, made repairs, fished, improved systems, and built food and water stocks for emergencies.

"I tell myself I can handle it," wrote Callahan in his narrative. "Compared to what others have been through, I'm fortunate. I tell myself these things over and over, building up fortitude...."

After 76 days afloat in the raft alone, he was found by fishermen. During the ordeal, he faced sharks, raft punctures, equipment deterioration, physical deterioration, and mental stress. Having lost a third of his weight and being covered with scores of saltwater sores but he was alive..!

The Secret of his survival: Whatever you're going through, tell yourself you can handle it. Compared to what others have been through, you're fortunate.