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  • Norman Ollestad Jr.'s Miraculous Escape from the San Gabriel Mountains | E183

    Norman Ollestad Jr.'s Miraculous Escape from the San Gabriel Mountains | E183
    2025/09/15

    In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, medical professionals Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the extraordinary story of 11-year-old Norman Ollestad, Jr., the sole survivor of a 1979 plane crash in the San Gabriel Mountains. Despite his young age, Norman's extensive training in extreme sports, imparted by his adventurous father, equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate down an 8,600-foot mountain during a blizzard. The hosts recount how Norman's upbringing, filled with surfing and skiing challenges, prepared him for this life-threatening ordeal, highlighting the profound impact of his father's unconventional parenting. The episode not only explores the technical aspects of Norman's survival but also reflects on the psychological resilience and the enduring bond between a father and son.

    00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast

    00:30 Norman Ollestad Jr.: The Sole Survivor

    01:28 Norman's Unique Upbringing

    12:32 The Plane Crash in the San Gabriel Mountains

    16:42 Surviving the Descent

    28:56 Reflecting on the Experience


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    36 分
  • The Rescue Behind the Seven Teacups: Ryan Wardwell's Astonishing Survival | E182

    The Rescue Behind the Seven Teacups: Ryan Wardwell's Astonishing Survival | E182
    2025/09/08

    This episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast with Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen explores the harrowing tale of Ryan Wardwell, an experienced canyoneer who survived three days trapped in hypothermic conditions behind the Seven Teacups waterfall in California. The story delves into Ryan's ordeal, the geological and technical challenges of the canyon, the critical decisions made, and the incredible multi-agency rescue operation that saved his life. The episode also reflects on a similar tragic incident that happened a year prior, highlighting the unpredictable dangers of wilderness adventures.
    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
    00:30 Ryan Wardwell's Ordeal Begins
    03:00 The Seven Teacups: A Dangerous Beauty
    06:29 The Impact of Social Media on Outdoor Adventures
    07:27 Understanding the Technical Challenges of Canyoneering
    13:40 Ryan's Decision and the Consequences
    16:56 The Struggle for Survival
    20:48 The Physical and Psychological Toll
    26:32 Factors Contributing to Ryan's Survival
    27:21 Psychological Resilience in Survival Situations
    28:49 The Critical Role of Calories and Hydration
    30:51 Friends' Life-Saving Decision
    32:44 The Search and Rescue Operation Begins
    33:37 Challenges of Aerial Detection
    34:37 The Agonizing Decision to Delay Rescue
    35:40 The High-Stakes Rescue Mission
    41:36 Medical Treatment and Recovery
    44:42 The Psychological Aspect of Survival
    45:45 A Tragic History at Seven Teacups
    52:40 Lessons from the Wilderness
    54:33 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast

    Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com

    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/

    Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/
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    55 分
  • Grandma Gatewood: The Unstoppable Trailblazer | E181

    Grandma Gatewood: The Unstoppable Trailblazer | E181
    2025/09/01
    Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Join Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh on The Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they delve into the extraordinary tale of Emma Gatewood, the first woman to solo hike the 2,168-mile Appalachian Trail in 1955. At 67 years old and with minimal gear, Grandma Gatewood’s journey defied modern hiking conventions and highlighted her resilience stemming from decades of domestic abuse and personal adversity. Discover her remarkable determination and how her story has inspired generations of hikers and contributed to the trail's preservation. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Meet Grandma Gatewood: The Unstoppable Grandmother 02:15 Emma Gatewood's Early Life and Challenges 06:10 The Appalachian Trail: A New Adventure 06:35 Grandma Gatewood's First Attempt and Lessons Learned 08:05 The Successful Journey Begins 09:09 Challenges and Resourcefulness on the Trail 17:41 Media Attention and Recognition 22:47 Emma Gatewood's Legacy and Impact 31:24 Conclusion and Reflections References: Montgomery, Ben. Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail. Chicago Review Press, 2014. Primary biographical source with access to Emma's personal journals, family interviews, and historical documents Appalachian Mountain Club Library & Archives. Emma Gatewood Collection. Contains photographs and trail log entries from her hikes Appalachian Trail Conservancy Archives. Emma Gatewood materials. Historical trail documentation and correspondence Sports Illustrated. Articles on Emma Gatewood's 1955 thru-hike. Contains direct quotes: "I thought it would be a nice lark. It wasn't" and "This is no trail. This is a nightmare" National Geographic Magazine. August 1949 issue. The original article about Earl Shaffer that inspired Emma's hike The Baltimore Sun. 1955. Coverage of the "jovial little grandmother" who conquered the Appalachian TrailCongressional Record. June 1956. U.S. Representative Thomas A. Jenkins of Ohio's entry about Gatewood's accomplishmentsThe Today Show with Dave Garroway. 1955. Featured guest appearance after completing her hikeWelcome Travelers. 1955. Quiz show appearance where she won $200Appalachian Trail Conservancy. "Emma Gatewood." Official trail history documentation. https://www.appalachiantrail.org/ Appalachian Trail Museum. Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Pennsylvania. Houses Emma's Converse sneakers and other artifacts Appalachian Mountain Club. "Grandma Gatewood: The First Woman to Solo Hike the Entire Appalachian Trail." March 2025. https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/history/grandma-gatewood-the-first-woman-to-solo-hike-the-entire-appalachian-trail/ Blue Ridge Country Magazine. "Emma Gatewood's Walk." April 29, 2025. https://blueridgecountry.com/newsstand/magazine/emma-gatewood%E2%80%99s-walk/ Adventure Journal. "Emma Gatewood Survived Domestic Abuse to Become an Appalachian Trail Legend." https://www.adventure-journal.com/2020/05/emma-gatewood-survived-domestic-abuse-to-become-an-appalachian-trail-legend/ Atlas Obscura. "The First Woman to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail Alone Did It as a 'Lark'." June 9, 2021. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/appalachian-trail-emma-gatewood Five Rivers MetroParks. "Grandma Gatewood, One of Ohio's Most Famous Hikers." March 22, 2024. https://www.metroparks.org/grandma-gatewood-one-of-ohios-most-famous-hikers/ Appalachian Trail Histories. "Emma Gatewood." https://appalachiantrailhistory.org/exhibits/show/hikers/gatewood Buckeye Trail Association. Emma Gatewood materials and trail documentation. Information about her role as founding member and trail builder "Trail Magic: The Grandma Gatewood Story." Emmy-nominated documentary. Features family interviews and historical recreation Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Burial records and grave marker documentation. Final resting place with marker reading "Emma R. Gatewood – Grandma"
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    34 分
  • Miracle in Miami Bay: The Survival of Calena Areyan Gruber | E 180

    Miracle in Miami Bay: The Survival of Calena Areyan Gruber | E 180
    2025/08/25
    In this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen unravel the harrowing tale of 7-year-old Calena Areyan Gruber, who miraculously survived a catastrophic accident during sailing camp in Biscayne Bay, Miami. The story highlights the resilience and incredible survival instincts of a child caught in an underwater disaster caused by a massive commercial barge. The episode also delves into the tragic loss of three other young sailors, the regulatory failures in maritime safety, and the urgent need for reform to prevent similar tragedies. The podcast underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the extraordinary capabilities of human survival, particularly in children. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Setting the Scene: A Tragic Day in Miami Bay 09:53 The Collision: A Catastrophic Event 12:34 Kalina's Extraordinary Survival 16:18 The Aftermath: Rescue and Recovery 24:23 Calls for Maritime Safety Reforms 28:46 Reflections on Youth Sailing Safety 31:23 Conclusion and Listener Engagement who miraculously survived a catastrophic accident during sailing camp in Biscayne Bay, Miami. The story highlights the resilience and incredible survival instincts of a child caught in an underwater disaster caused by a massive commercial barge. The episode also delves into the tragic loss of three other young sailors, the regulatory failures in maritime safety, and the urgent need for reform to prevent similar tragedies. The podcast underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the extraordinary capabilities of human survival, particularly in children. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Setting the Scene: A Tragic Day in Miami Bay 09:53 The Collision: A Catastrophic Event 12:34 Calena's Extraordinary Survival 16:18 The Aftermath: Rescue and Recovery 24:23 Calls for Maritime Safety Reforms 28:46 Reflections on Youth Sailing Safety 31:23 Conclusion and Listener Engagement Miami Bay Miracle Podcast - References and Sources Primary Incident Sources ABC News "2 children dead after barge strikes sailboat from youth sailing program: Officials" July 29, 2025 https://abcnews.go.com/US/miami-beach-sailboat-capsized-youth-sailing-program/story?id=124149834 CBS Miami "Two children dead after sailboat and barge collision off Miami Beach, officials say" August 5, 2025 https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/two-children-killed-sailboat-barge-collision-off-miami-beach/ CNN "Third girl dies after sailboat and barge collision in Miami" August 3, 2025 https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/03/us/miami-boat-accident-crash-death CBS Miami "Third girl dies after sailboat crash with barge near Miami Beach, family and officials confirm" August 4, 2025 https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/10-year-old-miami-beach-boat-crash-victim-ari-buchman-died/ Survivor and Family Information Fox Business "Miami sailboat crash survivor's family issues statement after deadly incident" August 2025 https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/miami-sailboat-crash-survivor-stared-death-face-lawyer-says NBC 6 South Florida "Parents of Calena Gruber, Miami sailing camp tragedy survivor, speak" August 2025 https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/family-of-7-year-old-miami-sailing-camp-tragedy-survivor-speaks/3672444/ PEOPLE Magazine "Family of 7-Year-Old Girl Who Survived Miami Boat Crash That Killed 3 Say It's a 'Miracle She's Alive'" August 2025 https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/family-7-old-girl-survived-100808752.html Miami Herald via Sun Sentinel "'It's a miracle she's alive.' Girl injured in boat crash was trapped under barge" August 4, 2025 https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/08/04/girl-seriously-injured-after-biscayne-bay-barge-sailboat-crash-recovering-family-says/ Legal and Investigation Coverage WLRN "Attorney for survivor of deadly sailboat crash calls tragedy 'preventable'" August 5, 2025 https://www.wlrn.org/law-justice/2025-08-04/attorney-for-survivor-of-deadly-sailboat-crash-calls-tragedy-preventable Local 10 WPLG "Lawsuit IDs owner of barge in deadly Biscayne Bay crash with youth sailing camp boat" August 8, 2025 https://www.local10.com/news/local/2025/08/08/lawsuit-ids-owner-of-barge-in-deadly-biscayne-bay-crash-with-youth-sailing-camp-boat/ Leesfield & Partners "Leesfield & Partners Representing Family of Girl, 7, Injured in Miami Beach Deadly Sailboat Crash" August 5, 2025 https://www.floridainjurylawyer-blawg.com/leesfield-partners-representing-family-of-girl-7-injured-in-miami-beach-deadly-sailboat-crash/ Boating Safety Statistics U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety "2023 Recreational Boating Statistics" 2024 https://www.uscgboating.org/library/accident-statistics/Recreational-Boating-Statistics-2023-Ch2.pdf American Boating Association "Boating Fatality Facts" May 30, 2025 https://americanboating.org/boating_fatality.asp Children's Safety Network "Boating Safety" https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/infographics/boating-safety Child Drowning and Near-Drowning ...
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    32 分
  • Alligator Attack Victim Endures 3 Days in Florida Wetlands | E 179

    Alligator Attack Victim Endures 3 Days in Florida Wetlands | E 179
    2025/08/18

    This episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosted by Kaycee McIntosh, recounts the harrowing tale of Eric Murda, a 43-year-old irrigation contractor from Sarasota. On July 17, 2022, Eric’s routine day turned into a nightmare when a seven-foot alligator attacked him while he swam across Lake Manatee in Florida. The attack resulted in Eric losing his arm, leading to a grueling 72-hour survival ordeal in the harsh Florida swamp. He faced severe blood loss, venomous snakes, disease-carrying water, and other predators. Despite being disoriented and gravely injured, Eric's mental resilience and instinctive survival skills allowed him to navigate through dense vegetation, signal for help, and eventually find rescue. His story underscores the importance of preparation, mental fortitude, and situational awareness in wilderness survival. The episode also touches on winter travel preparation and survival strategies, reflecting on another tragic survival story and discussing improvements in search and rescue protocols.
    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
    00:49 Setting the Scene: A Deadly Encounter
    02:07 Eric Murda's Fateful Decision
    04:36 The Alligator Attack
    08:29 Surviving the Swamp
    19:20 The Psychological Battle
    21:56 Lessons in Wilderness Survival
    24:42 Necrotizing Fasciitis and Waterborne Pathogens
    25:06 Venomous Snakes: A Deadly Threat
    26:37 Survival Skills: Plant Identification and Shelter
    28:39 Eric's Final Push to Civilization
    30:07 Medical Challenges and Psychological Transformation
    31:31 Lessons from Eric's Ordeal
    33:05 Eric's New Role as a Motivational Speaker
    34:22 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement
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    35 分
  • Pacific Northwest Survival Games: Survival Skills Competition Turned Reality TV Show | E 178

    Pacific Northwest Survival Games: Survival Skills Competition Turned Reality TV Show | E 178
    2025/08/11

    Join Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen on The Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they dive into the extraordinary journey of Tony Peniche, Founder of the Pacific Northwest Survival Games. Discover how a backyard BBQ among friends evolved into a viral survival competition, attracting contestants and survival celebrities from popular TV shows. Tony shares his transition from a serial entrepreneur to a key figure in the survival community, the challenges and excitement of organizing survival events, and the importance of problem-solving and realistic survival training. This episode is packed with thrilling tales, insights into survival skills, and the spirit of camaraderie and competition.
    00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast
    00:30 Meet Tony Panish: Founder of the Pacific Northwest Survival Games
    01:42 The Accidental Viral Event
    03:57 From Marketing Consultant to Survival Event Creator
    05:12 Personal Journey: Sobriety and New Beginnings
    06:33 Inspiration from Family and Community
    08:58 The Power of Seizing Opportunities
    09:37 Connecting with the Survival Community
    10:38 What Makes the Pacific Northwest Survival Games Unique?
    15:08 Challenges and Competitions: Testing Real-World Skills
    23:37 Transformations in Confidence and Skills
    23:54 A Memorable Example: Joel's Journey
    25:37 The Importance of Problem Solving in Survival
    26:36 Essential Survival Gear
    27:11 The Role of Signaling Devices
    28:37 Logistical Challenges of Survival Events
    29:21 Expanding Survival Games: Future Plans
    32:34 Memorable Moments from Past Events
    35:25 Casting and Celebrity Involvement
    41:26 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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    43 分
  • Bear Mauls Alaskan Hiker, Rescued thanks to a Drone | E 177

    Bear Mauls Alaskan Hiker, Rescued thanks to a Drone | E 177
    2025/08/04
    In this episode, we dive into a harrowing story of a bear attack on a popular hiking trail in Anchorage, Alaska, involving a 67-year-old woman. She is attacked and dragged into the dense wilderness but manages to call 911. With her life hanging in the balance, cutting-edge drone technology is deployed to find her. We explore the specifics of the rescue operation, the capabilities of search and rescue drones, and how modern technology is revolutionizing wilderness rescues. The episode also highlights the importance of preparation, the effectiveness of bear spray, and survival tips for anyone finding themselves in similar situations. Join us as we unravel this remarkable story of survival and technological innovation in the wilderness. 00:00 A Peaceful Hike Turns Deadly 00:19 The Terrifying Bear Encounter 01:06 The Aftermath and Rescue 01:45 Julie’s Alaska Experience 04:10 The Dome Trail Description 08:11 The Bear Attack Details 15:54 The Rescue Operation 20:13 The Role of Technology in Rescue 25:11 The Search for the Bear 26:59 The Importance of Public Safety on Popular Trails 28:22 The Role of Technology in Modern Search and Rescue 29:07 The Evolution and Accessibility of Drone Technology 30:05 The Future of Search and Rescue Operations 35:47 Bear Spray vs. Firearms: Effectiveness in Bear Encounters 37:14 The Psychological Impact of Bear Attacks 38:19 Balancing Public Access and Wildlife Protection 39:48 Surviving Bear Attacks: Tips and Strategies 42:55 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Primary News Sources - Alaska Bear Attack Anchorage Daily News - Hiker mauled by brown bear in Anchorage's popular Basher Trail areaAlaska's News Source - Bear mauling sparks large rescue response near Anchorage trailheadFox News - Alaska hiker mauled by bear rescued with help of advanced drone technology on remote trailAlaska Public Media - Brown bear mauls hiker on Dome Trail in Anchorage Search and Rescue Drone Technology DJI Enterprise - Search and Rescue SolutionsUAV Coach - Search and Rescue Drones: An In-Depth GuideIEEE Public Safety Technology - How Drones Are Revolutionizing Search and RescueDHS Science and Technology - First Responders Assess Drones for Search and Rescue Missions Professional SAR Organizations DRONERESPONDERS - Global network of drones in public safetyNational Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR)Search Investigations - Thermal Drone Services Training and Certification DARTdrones - Search and Rescue Drone Training CourseDrone Pilot Ground School - Public COA vs. Part 107 Certification Technical Resources Alaska DOT - Public Safety Drone PlaybookDJI Enterprise Study - Drone Efficacy in Search and RescueScientific American - How Drones Are Revolutionizing Search and Rescue Wilderness Safety Resources Washington Trails Association - A hiker's guide to drones and unmanned aircraft systemsUS Forest Service - Recreational Drone TipsOutside Magazine - Why Drones Are the Future of Outdoor Search and Rescue Academic and Research Sources PubMed - Using an Unmanned Aircraft System (Drone) to Conduct a Complex High Altitude Search and Rescue Operation: A Case StudyVirginia Tech - Making search and rescue drone swarms a realityScience Robotics - An autonomous drone for search and rescue in forests using airborne optical sectioning
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    42 分
  • Deserted Island Survival: 6 Teens Defied Odds for 15 Months | E 176

    Deserted Island Survival: 6 Teens Defied Odds for 15 Months | E 176
    2025/07/28
    In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the astonishing real-life story of six teenage boys from Tonga who were stranded on a deserted island for 15 months in 1965. Contrary to the dark narrative of 'Lord of the Flies,' these boys formed a harmonious and organized mini-society, showcasing the best of human nature under harrowing conditions. The hosts dive deep into the boys' journey from near-death encounters and sheer survival to their eventual rescue by an Australian sea captain. Join us for this heartwarming tale of ingenuity, camaraderie, and the indomitable human spirit. 00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:28 Introducing the Real-Life 'Lord of the Flies' 01:22 The Boys' Bold Plan to Sail to Fiji 06:44 Disaster Strikes: The Storm and Shipwreck 10:32 Surviving on Ata Island 13:07 Creating a New Society 16:25 The Boys' Ingenious Solutions 19:14 Losing Hope and the Community's Desperation 20:40 A Miraculous Survival 22:27 The Rescue by Peter Warner 28:19 The Boys' Homecoming 31:22 Life After the Island 34:06 The Story Goes Viral 39:45 Lessons from the Castaways 40:51 Closing Remarks and Call to Action Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT1C4BSRzak https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHO_RlJxnVI Wikipedia: "Tongan castaways" VICE: "I Spent 15 Months Shipwrecked on an Uninhabited Island"CBS News: "A real life Lord of the Flies: The 50-year-old story of a group of teens stranded on an island"My Modern Met: "In 1965, Six Boys Were Stranded on a Deserted Island for 15 Months—and They All Survived"RNZ: "The true story of six Tongan teenage castaways in 1965"The Guardian (Rutger Bregman): "The 'real Lord of the Flies': a survivor's story of shipwreck and salvation"Wikipedia: "Peter Warner"Matangi Tonga: "'Ata and its archaeology" Existing Films and Media "The Castaways" (1966) A Channel 7 television documentary/reenactment was filmed in October 1966, just after the boys were rescued. Peter Warner arranged with Channel 7 in Sydney to film their story and used £150 (USD $203) from the sale of the rights to compensate the stolen boat's owner. The Channel 7 television crew sailed with Warner and the boys back to ʻAta to film a re-enactment of their story, which was broadcast in October 1966. WikipediaDocastawayOne 16mm film copy of the 1966 documentary survives today and is available on YouTube. The Six Tongan Castaways of Ata Island | The Real Lord of the Flies Documentary by Álvaro Cerezo (2020) In 2015, Spanish explorer Álvaro Cerezo spent 10 days on ʻAta island with Kolo Fekitoa, one of the castaways (by then in his mid-60s). The two men lived there alone and survived on coconuts, fish, and seabirds, exactly as the boys did back in 1965. In summer 2020, Cerezo released a documentary of his experience with Kolo and a book detailing the 15-month ordeal of the castaways. The Six Tongan Castaways of Ata Island | The Real Lord of the Flies CBS 60 Minutes Feature (2021) CBS News produced a detailed segment about the story for 60 Minutes, featuring interviews with survivors Mano Totau and Sione Fataua, as well as Peter Warner.Wikipedia: "Tongan castaways"VICE: "I Spent 15 Months Shipwrecked on an Uninhabited Island"CBS News: "A real life Lord of the Flies: The 50-year-old story of a group of teens stranded on an island"My Modern Met: "In 1965, Six Boys Were Stranded on a Deserted Island for 15 Months—and They All Survived"RNZ: "The true story of six Tongan teenage castaways in 1965"The Guardian (Rutger Bregman): "The 'real Lord of the Flies': a survivor's story of shipwreck and salvation"Wikipedia: "Peter Warner"Matangi Tonga: "'Ata and its archaeology"
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    36 分