the lone sailor – part 2

his survival training kicked in

stay calm and don’t panic he thought

survey the damage and make an inventory

being extra careful not to injure himself

the boat was slowly taking on water

all the power was gone

he bailed it dry with a hand pump 

the engine would not start

all the electronics were dead

either waterlogged or fried by lightening

most of the food had been washed overboard

the fresh water tank was intact

there was a crack in the hull that needed patching

he cut out part of the sail

secured it over the crack with ropes

this slowed down the leak significantly

the next priority was food

fortunately he had some line and hooks

fresh fish was eaten raw

leftovers used for bait

he managed to rig a small sail

but the boat was effectively drifting

no sign of any passing ships

he kept a journal to record events

on day eleven he spotted a ship

he was elated to be rescued

sending up flares

but the ship never saw him

on day fifteen he was fishing for food

bringing in a medium sized fish

suddenly the water exploded

a shark snatched the fish on the surface

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