Abandoned

"Abandoned" is a true story-based survival drama, directed by Bruce Brown. The film's narrative revolves around the ill-fated voyage of the trimaran Rose Noelle in 1989. The story begins when four experienced sailors, Ben Smith, a 26-year-old Australian; his father, Murray Smith, also Australian, aged 55; a 34-year-old New Zealand man named Ben Hodgson, and a friend; set sail from Picton, New Zealand, bound for Tonga. Their destination was the island nation, located over a thousand kilometers east of New Zealand's mainland. As the Rose Noelle sailed into the open waters, the crew members felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. With their combined experience and expertise, they had meticulously prepared for the long journey ahead. However, on the third day of their voyage, disaster struck. A freak wave, more powerful than anything they could have anticipated, crashed onto the yacht, capsizing it. The crew was swept overboard, with their hopes of survival dwindling. The four castaways were left floating helplessly in the ocean, separated from their upturned yacht. With no emergency beacon and limited communication equipment, they were forced to rely on their wits, experience, and basic survival skills to stay alive. Their ordeal was only just beginning, with many long and grueling days ahead. The first challenge they faced was to locate the downed Rose Noelle and retrieve the necessary gear. However, they eventually located their capsized yacht drifting 15 kilometers away. It took them hours to drag themselves up onto the trimaran, where they found the first aid kit, emergency beacon, and a communication device. They quickly activated the emergency beacon, hoping against hope that a rescue team would receive their distress signal. Over the coming days, the crew battled severe fatigue, dehydration, sunburn, and the constant threat of sharks. The extreme weather conditions – blistering sun, torrential rain, and icy winds – further exacerbated their suffering. As the days turned into weeks, their spirits began to flag. Hope seemed to be disappearing as slowly as the food and water supplies were dwindling. Ben Smith, an experienced sailor and the eldest among the four survivors, proved to be a leader among his companions. He took charge of the situation, coordinating their efforts to conserve water and food supplies. Murray Smith, with his extensive knowledge of the area's geography, helped to navigate their location and provide reassurance when things seemed bleak. Ben Hodgson, despite his initial hesitation, displayed remarkable resilience and a will to survive. His determination was a source of inspiration to the rest of the crew. The fourth castaway, though not named in the movie, showed unwavering resolve and a strong sense of loyalty to his fellow sailors. After 119 grueling days, their luck finally changed when they spotted the shores of Great Barrier Island on October 21, 1989. The crew, barely alive and riddled with open sores and festering wounds, knew their long struggle was at last nearing its end. They made their way onto the island, weak but elated to have finally found safety. The arrival of the New Zealand police, rescue teams, and media brought a surreal sense of closure to their harrowing journey. Although the aftermath of their ordeal was marred by a series of disagreements and disputes, the castaways ultimately came to terms with their experiences. In the end, the four survivors of the Rose Noelle's fateful voyage emerged stronger, both physically and mentally. Their story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, highlighting the incredible capacity for survival against all odds.