438 Days
An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea
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438 Days
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Narrated by:
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George Newbern
About this listen
The incredible true survival story of fisherman Salvador Alvarenga – and his record-breaking fourteen months lost at sea. Based on extensive interviews with Alvarenga, his colleagues, search and rescue officials, and the people who saved his life.
On 17th November, 2012, Salvador Alvarenga left the coast of Mexico for a two-day fishing trip. A vicious storm killed his engine and the current dragged his boat out to sea. The storm picked up and carried him West, deeper into the heart of the Pacific Ocean. Alvarenga would not touch solid ground again for fourteen months.
When he was washed ashore on January 30th, 2014, he had drifted over 9,000 miles.
Three dozen cruise ships and container vessels passed nearby. Not one stopped for the stranded fisherman. He considered suicide on multiple occasions – including offering himself up to a pack of circling sharks. But Alvarenga developed a method of survival that kept his body and mind intact long enough for the Pacific Ocean to spit him up onto a remote palm-studded island. Crawling ashore, he was saved by a local couple living in their own private castaway paradise.
438 Days by Jonathan Franklin is an epic tale of survival – and one man's incredible story of beating the ultimate odds.
'A fascinating, action-packed account of long-term survival on the open seas' – Kirkus Reviews
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What listeners say about 438 Days
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Hassan
- 07-08-24
Incredible story about an incredible individual
An amazing story about faith, resilience, fortitude and the human spirit. The best thing about this story is the protagonist, seems like a genuine and kind person. Your always rooting for him and thankfully there is happy ending
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- S1D9G7
- 20-01-24
Excellent account of an amazing voyage
The feelings of isolation and loneliness are so well conveyed in this book. At times it quite hard to imagine that this actually happened to Salvador. The end of the book documents his struggles with returning to civilisation very well too, answering a lot of questions about PTSD and Salvador’s recovery.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Jacimac
- 15-09-23
A story of true grit and endurance
A fabulous tale of the mental and physical strength needed to fight in absolutely extraordinary circumstances. The smallest every day details were recounted in a way which made one feel present in the struggle of the sailor. It also made me think about the way that early hominids might have migrated from one continent to another, by accident or design. So disappointing that once again the paparazzi were there, harassing and distressing people whilst they were at their lowest ebb. It was really interesting to me, how the mental attitude affected the physical condition of a person under untold stress. I hope Alvarenco found peace. A very highly recommended read. As one other reviewer said, it would make a wonderfully visual film HOWEVER I wouldn’t want it made at the cost of any further hassle for the Alvarenco family.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- JonnyC
- 05-05-23
Fascinating survival story
I would certainly have died in the first 2 hours. Before the storm probably. Maybe now I’ll potentially survive 24!
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- lwin87
- 23-01-23
Interesting insight into the human ability to survive
A really interesting book, well told and frankly shocking at times. It’s a really in-depth tale of human survival.
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- Lesley
- 15-07-23
Amazing story
Really enjoyed this audio book. Amazing story, was never boring and the narrator done a great job. Defintely reccomend if you like a good survival story. Probs the most amazing one I've read actually. Left me hungry for another one.
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- Jonesy
- 13-12-23
What a story!!
Incredible story, well written, good detail. Well read. If you enjoy true, survival stories then you will love this
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- Rebecca
- 30-08-23
Absolutely astonishing true story
Gripping from start to finish, sitting listening in bed in night and visualising what this poor man endured and his strength and will and determination is just remarkable, this should be made into a movie, very much enjoyed
😁 so worth the read thank you for sharing your unbelievable experience x
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 13-03-24
Gripping survival tale
I finished listening to this story within three days. Really gripping tale and great writing weaving together interviews not only with the survivor, but his colleagues, survival experts, medical experts and other people with interesting insights and reflections on his story.
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- Vichass
- 29-11-23
Brilliant account of a true story
Wonderfully spoken and a captivating listen. Highly recommend this book - it’ll have you hanging on to every word
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1 person found this helpful