The Sailor Who Survived 133 Days Alone at Sea, 133 DAYS AT SEA AGAINST ALL ODDS. In November 1942, Poon Lim, a Chinese sailor aboard the British merchant ship SS Ben Lomond, found himself adrift in the South Atlantic after the ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat during World War II. As the ship sank……….
In November 1942, Poon Lim, a Chinese sailor aboard the British merchant ship SS Ben Lomond, found himself adrift in the South Atlantic after the ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat during World War II. As the ship sank, Poon jumped overboard and found an empty lifeboat, beginning a lonely fight for survival. With no other survivors in sight, he was left completely alone at sea.
Using his resourcefulness, Poon crafted tools to fish and collect rainwater. He made a fishhook from wire and rope for fishing, and rationed the minimal supplies he had. Days turned into weeks as Poon counted the full moons to track time, each one a reminder of his extended solitude. His strength and perseverance kept him alive in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
After 133 days alone at sea, Poon Lim was finally rescued near the coast of Brazil. When informed that no one had survived longer at sea, Poon humbly responded, “I hope no one will ever have to break that record.” His story remains an inspiring example of human resilience and courage.
