Man Survives Boat Crash Which Kills his Buddy
Cameron Culver awoke after the crash to find the lifeless body of his friend Mark Desaultes.
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September 23, 2009
Two friends were on a boating and hunting trip in British Columbia when one of them suffered an apparent heart attack and the boat he was operating crashed into a log. The surviving participant told the harrowing tale of perseverance and survival to a local TV station.
According to CBC.com, Cameron Culver awoke after the crash to find the lifeless body of his friend Mark Desaultes. He spent almost a day wandering around in search of help, facing rainstorms, hypothermia and the rapid weakening of his body.
In the end, he was spotted by other members of his party and taken to a nearby hospital where he was found to have suffered a fractured shoulder and rib, and a neck broken in two places.
When asked how he was able to withstand the ordeal, Culver told CBC that at that moment "survival skills just took over and my body followed my brain around... and I pulled it off. It's a miracle."
While Culver was undoubtedly lucky, those planning a trip in the wilderness are well advised to hone their survival skills before setting off. These skills include learning how to dress a wound, make a fire, find water, build a shelter as well as navigate the terrain.
Every traveler should also have a well-stocked first aid kit, at least a three-day supply of food and water, as well as blankets, working cell phones and area maps.
For those coping with the aftermath of a crash and their families, there are many online resources, including the Crash Survivors Network, which can help them reclaim their lives and thrive again.
Two friends were on a boating and hunting trip in British Columbia when one of them suffered an apparent heart attack and the boat he was operating crashed into a log. The surviving participant told the harrowing tale of perseverance and survival to a local TV station.
According to CBC.com, Cameron Culver awoke after the crash to find the lifeless body of his friend Mark Desaultes. He spent almost a day wandering around in search of help, facing rainstorms, hypothermia and the rapid weakening of his body.
In the end, he was spotted by other members of his party and taken to a nearby hospital where he was found to have suffered a fractured shoulder and rib, and a neck broken in two places.
When asked how he was able to withstand the ordeal, Culver told CBC that at that moment "survival skills just took over and my body followed my brain around... and I pulled it off. It's a miracle."
While Culver was undoubtedly lucky, those planning a trip in the wilderness are well advised to hone their survival skills before setting off. These skills include learning how to dress a wound, make a fire, find water, build a shelter as well as navigate the terrain.
Every traveler should also have a well-stocked first aid kit, at least a three-day supply of food and water, as well as blankets, working cell phones and area maps.
For those coping with the aftermath of a crash and their families, there are many online resources, including the Crash Survivors Network, which can help them reclaim their lives and thrive again.
