Overboard!: A True Blue-water Odyssey of Disaster and Survival

Thank you for using the catalog. The tale of the yachts Almeisan and At Ease. Shipwrecks -- Gulf Stream. Shipwreck survival -- History. Survival at sea -- History. Airplane crash survival -- History.

Overboard!: A True Blue-Water Odyssey of Disaster and Survival by Michael J. Tougias

That evening Tom serves a lobster stew his wife made just prior to the trip. The seas are still tranquil, almost glassy, and the air temperature is a comfortable 65 degrees. Loch is talking about the approaching sunset and explains how he once saw the unusual green flash that sometimes occurs at the moment the sun dips below the watery horizon. Not only is the water warmer, but the air also. Each crossing is different, but all of them — at least for me — are extraordinary experiences.

Under motor, the Almeisan makes about six knots, continuing on its southeast course. By late morning, a bit of breeze blows, and the crew is finally able to set the mainsail.

A three to four foot swell rolls beneath the boat, rocking it gently from side to side. Tom explains that they will soon be crossing the continental shelf, and he keeps the motor running, knowing they are a bit behind schedule. Everyone is enjoying themselves, but Kathy continues to be concerned about the low pressure system coming up the coast.

She keeps the worry to herself, not wanting to put a damper on the good mood and great chemistry of the crew. And even though she does not fully understand what is being said in regards to the various geographic positions given on the broadcast, she hears enough to know that the ride is going to be a lot rougher in the coming days. Tom, sensing her apprehension, tells her not to lose any sleep over it, and to let him worry about the weather.

Ever prudent, though, Tom has the crew make preparations for heavy weather. The anchor rode rope is disconnected from the Danforth anchor so that the rode can be stowed below deck, while the anchor is secured to the bow pulpit. May 28, Becky rated it really liked it Shelves: I read this book in two days while camping in Oklahoma.

It was very difficult to put down, and that's after an entire winter of reading nothing but natural disaster stories and survival stories. Tougias expertly covered the emotional turmoil of so many different people; you could tell he spent a great amount of time and care collecting their stories, listening, and understanding.

Never did the author seem judgmental, although, in this case it seemed that everyone performed exemplarily. Tougias e I read this book in two days while camping in Oklahoma. Tougias especially excelled at weaving other stories from the same storm into the narrative. These stops to see what was happening elsewhere drew the story along, but never forced it to be longer than it was.

It allowed the reader to see the huge impact of the storm and how far it stretched across the coast. On the sea, everyone that can help will help it seems, and the Coast Guard has put so much time and research into finding the most effective ways to communicate internationally for the protection of people on the coastal waters. To read my review of my Natural Disaster Themed read which included 10 different disaster books click link: May 01, Doreen rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: Recommended to Doreen by: Tougias offers another chilling tale of two separate boats requiring two separate, terrifying rescues.

With his wonderful writing style, I read each word, 'seeing' every second of activity described. I felt intimately acquainted with each storm victim and rescuer through Togias' wonderful explanations and knowledge of storms, boating, the Coast Guard, etc. With these two amazing stories of danger and courage, there is information that I would never have the opportunity to know, except for reading Tougias offers another chilling tale of two separate boats requiring two separate, terrifying rescues.

With these two amazing stories of danger and courage, there is information that I would never have the opportunity to know, except for reading this book. The body loses heat 24X faster in water than in air of the same temperature. Rescue swimmers are trained to enter treacherous, lethal waters in an effort to rescue complete strangers! Sometimes the only choice left in deadly circumstances is to simply not do anything to make the situation worse.

The body typically has a set number of hours that it can sustain life under periods of dehydration, starvation and sleeplessness. However, the mind and a strong will can extend this otherwise limited time period. This can be lifesaving, and it was, for the last man plucked alive from the angry sea. Tougias offers a detailed account of the several days and nights that comprise this book.

He does so with honor and respect for all those involved; the rescuers, the rescued, and for Captain Tighe, especially. I woke early today to finish reading this book. It was difficult to abandon the last surviving sailor last night. I couldn't stay away from him for too long. The last dozen or more pages were read through tears. Each chapter carried me, breathless, into the following chapter, hoping with all my heart that the ending would mean rescue for this final victim and for the precious Captain Tighe.

I strongly recommend this book. It's for everyone, whether you're a landlubber or the ocean-loving sort. The tale is about danger, courage, respect, and triumph, something to which we can all relate. The lessons here are not just for ocean tragedies. They can be appreciated and incorporated into all our lives. Aug 05, Pamela rated it it was amazing Shelves: Then flying back to land. Then fly back out to sea and try to find them in the middle of a storm.

Coast Guard Representative, as quoted by Michael J. Tougias certainly knows how to engage readers through clear on-point writing that enlightens and educates without being overly technical, and at the same time builds suspense without being overly dramatic or getting bogged down in too much back-story or sensationalism. The True Story of the U.

Overboard!: A True Blue-Water Odyssey of Disaster and Survival

Tougias, which I enjoyed immensely and highly recommend. Couldn't put this down finished in 1 day! This non-fiction book reads like fiction, and I had to keep asking myself what I would do if it were I in that situation. Don't think for a minute that Mother Nature is not the one in control on the open ocean.

Overboard!: A True Blue-Water Odyssey of Disaster and Survival

Jan 15, Beth Johnston rated it it was amazing. Kept me on the edge of my seat. I could feel those 50 ft waves as well as each sailor's excitement, fear, despair, joy and sadness. Aug 06, Steve rated it it was amazing. What a page turner! I was wrapped up in it and wanted to know what happened next. It's one of those books where you say to yourself late at night "okay, one more chapter before I go to bed. Michael Tougias is a very good writer. The story in itself is riveting, but his writing style paints the picture and you feel like your right there watching everything happen.

You will n What a page turner! You will not be disappointed should you choose to read this book. I will definitely read more of his books. Friends know that I want to start sailing, and they thought I was nuts reading this. I said it would be good to understand what happened so that I'd know what helped save the people on the boats. There were a few tips that I pulled out, such as throw a pair of goggles into your ditch bag! Jan 31, Debra Daniels-zeller rated it really liked it Shelves: If sailing makes you uneasy maybe you better not read this because this is one scary story.

I didn't choose this book because like boats, but I do like exciting survival stories and this one was an edge-of-your-seat story. Tom Tighe and first mate Loch Reidy along with three other people attempted to cross the Gulf Stream to Bermuda in a foot sail boat, the Almeisan.

Tom, the captain, had made this trip many times, but they left earlier than usual and hit rough weather with huge waves. Tom ev If sailing makes you uneasy maybe you better not read this because this is one scary story. Tom eventually decides they need to abandon ship, and after a big wave hits, Loch end up in the water and in rough weather, rescue attempts were frightening. Tougia's vivid descriptions made this book a great story of survival. Jan 27, Cori McGraw rated it it was amazing.

I picked this up as an audiobook from the local library for a long car trip, and I found myself at times driving an extra lap around the block, or taking the "long way" route give because I couldn't bear to arrive at my destination without hearing a few minutes more of what happens next in this book. I love nonfiction, as I find these tales of coping with and overcoming adversity tremendously inspiring.

I'm telling you, listen to this tale of being lost at sea on the drive over the gym, Riveting.