3 boys adrift for 50 days in 12 ft aluminum dinghy with outboard motor. Given up for dead after search including aerial search by RNZAF Orion. Spotted by watchman on passing fishing boat at 1.5 km range , waving.
Their rations were gone after first two days, then they caught and ate one sea bird 2 weeks before rescue. Captured rain water at night, but had started drinking sea water 2 days prior to rescue (
Survival manuals consistently advise against drinking seawater. ).
They stood watches to look for rescuers. They were sunburned, dehydrated,
exhausted and skeletal when found.
I picked through some more news coverage - these seem like some of the better articles:
New Zealand Herald initial report New Zealand Herald followup report CNN 4 minute interview with rescuer (30 second ad, first) 90 second video of arrival, with commentary
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