Additional Coverage:
- A child fell overboard a Disney cruise ship and was rescued. Here’s what to do if it happens to you, and how to survive. (businessinsider.com)
Staying Alive After Falling Overboard: A Survival Expert’s Guide
Two people were recently rescued after going overboard a Disney cruise ship, prompting questions about what to do in such a situation. While rare, these incidents underscore the importance of knowing survival techniques. A survival expert offers advice on increasing your chances of survival if you find yourself adrift at sea.
A Disney Cruise Line confirmed the rescue of two passengers who fell overboard from the Disney Dream during a trip from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas. Though details remain unconfirmed, reports suggest a father jumped in after his child who had fallen overboard. Thankfully, the crew acted swiftly and recovered both individuals.
This incident echoes other overboard situations, some with miraculous outcomes. One woman was rescued 45 minutes after falling from a Royal Caribbean ship, while another passenger, James Michael Grimes, survived 20 hours in the water after falling from the Carnival Valor. Grimes recounted battling jellyfish, clinging to floating debris, and facing the immense psychological and physical challenges of the open ocean.
Cat Bigney, a survival expert who has consulted for Bear Grylls and National Geographic, offers critical advice for anyone finding themselves in this dire situation. The first and most crucial step?
Don’t panic. Panicking leads to gasping, which can fill lungs with water.
Bigney emphasizes staying calm as the key to survival.
Next, find anything that floats. Body composition plays a role in buoyancy, but even small items can help.
Grimes removed his clothes to increase buoyancy and even tried to use bamboo he found in the water. Bigney recommends collecting anything that floats—even trash—to create a makeshift raft or simply to help stay afloat.
While food might seem crucial, Bigney says the human body can fast for extended periods. Dehydration is a more immediate threat.
Avoid drinking saltwater and try to conserve any water you have. Using clothing as a makeshift shelter from the sun can help.
Finally, create a signal. A large pile of floating debris can attract attention.
The Coast Guard utilizes sophisticated software to predict the drift patterns of people lost at sea, but the search area can be vast. Anything that increases visibility is critical.
Overboard incidents are rare, but the outcomes can be tragic. Between 2009 and 2019, only 48 out of 212 people who went overboard from cruise ships were rescued.
While the odds may seem daunting, survival is possible. By staying calm, finding flotation, conserving water, and creating a signal, you can dramatically increase your chances of being rescued.