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438 Days

One man's incredible story of survival against all odds

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438 Days

By: Jonathan Franklin
Narrated by: George Newbern
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The incredible true survival story of fisherman Salvador Alvarenga – and his record-breaking fourteen months lost at sea.

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.

Not one ship stopped for him. 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.

Based on extensive interviews with Alvarenga, his colleagues, search and rescue officials, and the people who saved his life, 438 Days by Jonathan Franklin is an epic, inspirational tale of survival – and one man's incredible story of beating the ultimate odds.

For readers of Touching the Void and In the Heart of the Sea.

'A fascinating, action-packed account of long-term survival on the open seas' – Kirkus Reviews

 Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Sailing Sailing & Boating Water Sports Survival Inspiring Fishing Scary
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Critic reviews

A fascinating, action-packed account of long-term survival on the open seas
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Wonderfully spoken and a captivating listen. Highly recommend this book - it’ll have you hanging on to every word

Brilliant account of a true story

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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.

A story of true grit and endurance

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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

Absolutely astonishing true story

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A really interesting book, well told and frankly shocking at times. It’s a really in-depth tale of human survival.

Interesting insight into the human ability to survive

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Great book, really enjoyed the listen and the narration was good. Glad that the after story was told as well

Great story

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