A shipwrecked sailor’s return from the dead

Eleven days lost at sea, presumed drowned. How Mick Doleman made it home to his sweetheart.

When 18-year-old Australian sailor Mick Doleman leaves for what should be a routine three-day voyage, he's torn between his two great loves: life at sea and his new girlfriend, Joanie McGrath. They've only been together for three months when disaster strikes.

In October 1973, the cargo ship MV Blythe Star sinks off Tasmania, leaving Mick and nine crewmates stranded in a life raft in one of the world's wildest and most remote stretches of ocean. No distress signal has been sent, they have no radio, and nobody knows where they are.

Back in Doveton, Victoria, Joanie learns the ship is missing. As the days pass, hope begins to fade. Search aircraft scour the sea, families gather around to watch television reports. Then the search is called off, and the crew are presumed dead. But Mick is still alive. Over 11 days, he battles freezing seas, exhaustion, hunger and despair. Some of the men won't make it home. But through it all, Mick clings to one thought: seeing Joanie again.

Mick’s co-written a book called Back from the Dead.

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producer: Edgar Maddicott

Lives Less Ordinary is a podcast from the BBC World Service that brings you the most incredible true stories from around the world. Each episode a guest shares their most dramatic, moving, personal story. Listen for unbelievable twists, mysteries uncovered, and inspiring journeys - spanning the entire human experience. Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected.

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