Lost at Sea: A Russian Man's Incredible 67-Day Journey

Being stranded at sea for over two months in an inflatable boat. That’s exactly what happened to Mikhail Pichugin, a 45-year-old Russian man who set off for a whale-watching trip with his brother and nephew. Things took a tragic turn when their engine failed. The trip to the Shantar Islands off the coast of Russia's far east was supposed to be a fun adventure. Unfortunately, when their engines gave out, the group found themselves drifting at sea. Mikhail’s brother, Sergey Pichugin, 49, and his son Ilya, 16, sadly did not make it. Mikhail, however, survived a staggering 67 days adrift.How did he do it? Mikhail credits his survival to sheer luck and determination. He managed to keep his small dinghy afloat through storms and freezing temperatures. He even kept the bodies of his brother and nephew onboard until he was finally rescued by a Russian trawler. The tale of Mikhail’s survival is astonishing. Experts marvel at how a small, uncontrolled boat like his could withstand the stormy Sea of Okhotsk for so long. Many suspect it’s nothing short of a miracle. Mikhail's journey has also raised questions about safety at sea. Russian laws restrict such small boats from venturing more than two nautical miles from shore. Even so, Mikhail’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity to endure.