The ocean – beautiful and terrifying. To divers, surfers, swimmers, marine biologists, and other individuals whose occupation and passion lies in exploring the deepest of seas, it’s a place for learning and enjoyment.
For us normal folk who hesitate to venture further and would much rather tread the surface, the ocean doesn’t simply bring comfort and ease.
In fact, the sight of it can trigger fears you never knew you had.
Fear of the unknown, causing you to focus on how the ocean hides countless secrets and perilous creatures in its depths.
From the shore, you see a beautiful body of water glistening under the sun, cool and inviting. But when you’re in the middle or down below, you realize just how powerful it can be and how small you really are. That’s why it takes strength, knowledge, and courage to explore and navigate the waters.
But what happens when you’re not an expert and you find yourself engulfed by its vastness?
If you’re up for a miraculous yet somewhat chilling tale of an ocean adventure, this footage and the story behind it will be right up your alley.
A Nigerian man named Harrison Okene was a cook on board the Jascon-4 tugboat. From a seemingly ordinary routine in the middle of the ocean, he and the rest of the crew suddenly met with a terrible accident in the middle of the ocean.
The heavy Atlantic swells had caused their boat to capsize.
It was 4:50 AM on May 26, 2013 when the cook realized what was happening.
Okene managed to stay alive but the rest of his companions disappeared.
The cook found himself trapped in an air bubble.
“I was there in the water in total darkness just thinking it’s the end. I kept thinking the water was going to fill up the room but it did not.”
With waters rising slowly from the ceiling of the toilet and adjoining bedroom, he seized the opportunity and and remained safely inside.
Imagine not having the means to communicate and seek help, all while figuring out how to survive Add to that the horrifying thought of what really lies beneath and what could possibly happen.
Well, this brave man didn’t allow such thoughts to continue racing through his mind and cloud his common sense. He used his best judgment and with it, survived three days in the freezing cold water.
It took 62 hours before a rescue team of divers found him.
The divers worked hastily, keeping Okene safe and reassured as they prepared the harness for his rescue. The terrified cook couldn’t believe his luck. What are the chances of being rescued after realizing the rest of your companions are nowhere to be found?
They helped secure a harness around the tearful survivor and tried to calm him. The rescue team then urged the shaken up cook to drink water and breathe slowly.
While helping the distressed cook put on the proper gear, the divers continued to reassure him.
“You musn’t panic, okay? We’re going to take you in the water and we’re going to take you to the bell. We’re going to bring you home, okay?”
The quick-thinking team of divers successfully rescued the 29-year-old but tragically, the rest of the cook’s companions didn’t make it. The search team were able to locate the ten dead bodies of the missing crew members.
One can only imagine the horror Okene went through, and the wave of relief that surged through him when he saw a torch light up the darkness he remained in for almost three days.
Watch the miraculous rescue below.
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