TIMELINE OF GREAT SURVIVAL STORIES
1704 – Alexander Selkirk
Selkirk’s story is one that is reminiscent of the Tom Hanks hit film – Castaway. Abandoned on an isolated island in the South Pacific, he was left with only his musket, carpentry tools, gunpowder and a bible. Selkirk survived on the island for just over 4 years. In that time he even hid from Spanish ships that invaded the island for fear of capture.
1915 – Wenseslao Moguel
During the Mexican revolution there were many deaths, but a symbol of hope and human endurance is epitomised by Wenseslao Moguel. On March 15, 1915 he was sentenced to death by a firing squad. He was subsequently shot 8 times in the head and then again at point blank range. Moguel faked death and then amazingly escaped by walking out.
1971 – Juliane Koepcke
Koepcke, aboard a plane above the Peruvian Jungle was struck by lightening. Only 17 years old, she came round from unconsciousness in thick undergrowth with a broken collarbone and blind in one eye. Following survival advice she struggled down stream in a mini-skirt and sandals for nine days. Eventually she found a cabin and treated her injuries. The cabins owner then returned and helped her.
1982 – Mark Ingles
Mark Ingles and Phil Doole were climbing Aoraki Mt. Cook – New Zealand’s biggest mountain when heavy snow started falling. This prompted the two to make a small snow cave in the harshest of conditions. They survived for 13 days on the strictest of rations before help arrived. However, in the cramped conditions their legs had to be amputated as a result of frostbite.
1996 – Paul Templer
After settling down in native Zimbabwe, Templer survived being bitten by a fully grown hippo. After his boat was capsized, he jumped in to save a friend and was then subsequently bitten by a hippo. His head was in the mouth and his arms were pinned in-between its giant teeth. He broke free but was then mauled aggressively. His ribs were broken and deep holes and cuts were made to his back and chest. He was eventually taken to safety and then undertook a lengthy operation in hospital – resulting in the amputation of his severed arm.