The Bombard Story - Dr Alain Bombard

[Searush]

Probably out of print now, but worth reading if you can find a copy.

Puzzled why some people died quickly when shipwrecked yet others survive quite long times he concludes that the will to live is key. He then goes on to develop survival strategies & proves them by increasingly long voyages on an inflatable, ending up by crossing the Atlantic in a rubber duck without food or water!

Excellent book, lots of useful stuff about drinking sea water (it is possible) and getting fluids from fish caught etc. But most of all, survival is about the will to live.

 

[NickiCrutchfield]

It's a very interesting book. How much did his mate hate the first part of the trip though? Not for the faint hearted. The data he collected about salt saturation levels and the need for rinsing out the system have stuck in my head as potentially very useful. It always interests me just how 'mad' he looks in the photos immediately after the voyage (drift?) ended. All in all a pretty sketchy, but scientifically approached, mission, for which I have profound respect.
Nicki

 

[Spuddy]

He died fairly recently, I believe. Recall an obit within the last year. Seems his health was permanently affected by what he went through - kidney damage maybe?

 

[Searush]

He died on July 19, 2005, just a month or two short of his 81st birthday, so not much kidney damage there I would guess. He was a qualified medical doctor & knew the signs to monitor.
I see that used copies of the book are on Amazon at £13.95

 

[DinghyMan]

Available used on amazon from 98p paperback or £2.95 hardback - just ordered the paperback for £3.73 with delivery.

 

[Rabbie]

WHAT! Nearly 3 quid for a paperback postage!

 

[DinghyMan]

Did think its a bit expensive but cost of envelope & travel to Post Office, if you can still find one, plus first class stamp probably about right.