An IT worker who became a real-life castaway lost at sea for months was saved by the company of his beloved dog.
Tim Shaddock, 51, was at the mercy of the currents as they battered his catamaran for two months off the coast of Mexico. He had not long set off from the nation for a 3,728-mile voyage to French Polynesia but became embroiled in difficulty.
The former IT specialist survived off a diet of raw fish and rainwater until, last week, after a chance sighting by a trawler crew, Tim and dog Bella were rescued.
An ocean survival expert has since credited Bella for “making the difference” in ensuring Tim survived his epic battle at sea.
Professor Mike Tipton, an academic at University of Portsmouth said Tim’s survival was a “combination of luck and skill”. He also said Bella “may well have made the difference,” adding: “You’re living very much from day to day. You have to have a very positive mental attitude to get through this kind of ordeal and not give up.”
Tim, who beat stage-four bowel cancer in the 2000s, was dangerously malnourished and had badly weather-beaten skin when he was hauled off his storm-battered catamaran.
“I have been through a very difficult ordeal. I’m just needing rest and good food,” Tim said.
“Otherwise I’m in very good health.” Bella also seems well.
Tim, from Australia, said his vessel was damaged in a storm which downed its electronic and navigation systems weeks into the trip to French Polynesia. He managed to create a makeshift shelter by a canopy from the beating sun while his filthy, thread-bare clothing included two hats he wore at the same time to ward off sunstroke.
Finally, a helicopter from the tuna ship hovered over his catamaran — and the pilot radioed to the vessel for help. Tim and Bella were then lifted aboard.
At home in Australia, Tim’s mum Jan Shaddock said: “He sent a voice message through the tuna boat’s captain. He was elated he was safe.
“I’ve been to church to give thanks.”