.png){kind=small}
Poon Lim: Surviving 133 Days in a Life Raft After a Shipwreck
Poon Lim's survival story is a remarkable tale of resilience and courage. Born in 1918 on Hainan Island, China, he became known for his incredible ability to endure the harsh conditions of the open sea. His tale of survival began during World War II when he found himself stranded in the Atlantic Ocean for an astonishing 133 days after the ship, he was on was sunk by a German U-boat. This article explores Poon Lim's early life, the circumstances that led to his ordeal and how he managed to survive against all odds.
Poon Lim was born on March 8, 1918. Growing up in China, he learned the values of hard work and determination from an early age. He eventually became a seaman, working on various ships and gaining experience in maritime life. By the time World War II broke out, Poon had developed skills that would later prove crucial for his survival. In 1942, Poon Lim joined the crew of the British merchant ship SS Benlomond as a Second Mess Steward. The ship was involved in transporting goods across the oceans during a time of global conflict. On November 23, 1942, while sailing in the South Atlantic Ocean, tragedy struck.
On that fateful day, the SS Benlomond was torpedoed by the German submarine U-172. The attack was swift and devastating; within just two minutes, the ship sank into the depths of the ocean. Of the 54 crew members aboard, only Poon Lim and five others survived the initial explosion. However, as chaos ensued, many of these survivors perished in the frigid waters. Poon Lim managed to escape into the ocean by grabbing a life jacket before jumping overboard. He swam for hours in shock and disorientation until he spotted a small wooden raft floating nearby. Climbing aboard this raft marked the beginning of his harrowing journey.
The raft was approximately eight feet long and had some supplies left from previous expeditions. Poon Lim found tins of hardtack biscuits, chocolate bars and about 40 litres of water on board. However, these supplies were limited and would not last long. As days turned into weeks, Poon realized that he needed to be resourceful if he wanted to survive. He collected rainwater using a canvas life jacket cover and rationed his food carefully. When supplies ran low, he resorted to fishing for sustenance.
Using his ingenuity, Poon fashioned fishing hooks from parts of his flashlight spring and made lines from unravelled rope. He even used crushed pieces of hardtack as bait to catch fish. Despite his lack of experience in fishing, he quickly learned how to adapt to his situation.
Poon Lim faced numerous challenges during his time at sea. The weather was unpredictable; storms would often hit without warning, destroying his limited supplies and making it difficult to fish. He also had to contend with sharks attracted by the blood from fish he caught. One particularly harrowing moment came when he had to defend himself against a shark that attacked him while he was trying to catch fish. Using whatever tools he had at hand, he fought off the shark and even resorted to consuming its liver for hydration when rainwater became scarce. He often spent hours scanning the horizon for signs of rescue while battling loneliness and despair.
Throughout his ordeal, Poon Lim held onto hope. He kept track of time by marking days on a piece of wood and maintained a positive mindset despite overwhelming odds. His ability to adapt and innovate played a significant role in keeping him alive. As weeks passed without rescue, Poon's physical condition deteriorated; he lost nearly 20 pounds (9 kg) during his time adrift. Yet even in moments of weakness, he found ways to motivate himself - whether by singing songs or reminiscing about home.
In April 1943—after drifting approximately 750 miles (1,210 km) westward—Poon noticed that the colour of the water had changed from deep blue to greenish hues. This change indicated that land might be near. On April 5, 1943—133 days after being cast adrift—three Brazilian fishermen spotted Poon Lim's raft about nine nautical miles off the coast of Pará. They were astonished to find him alive but weak after so many months at sea.
The fishermen had difficulty communicating with him due to language barriers; however, they quickly understood that they had found someone who had survived against all odds. They lifted him off the raft as he was too weak to climb aboard their boat himself. After being rescued, Poon Lim spent three days recovering with the fishermen before being taken to Belém—a city in Brazil where he received medical attention for malnutrition and dehydration.
Following his recovery in Brazil, Poon Lim returned home but faced challenges reintegrating into society after such an extraordinary experience. He eventually moved to Brooklyn, New York City, where he lived until his death on January 4, 1991. Poon Lim’s story gained recognition over time as one of extraordinary survival against overwhelming odds
Poon Lim holds the remarkable record for the longest solo survival at sea, a feat that continues to inspire people worldwide. His story serves as a powerful reminder that hope can triumph even in the direst circumstances when one stays determined and resourceful. Lim's experiences teach vital lessons about resilience: the importance of adapting swiftly to challenges, using available resources wisely, keeping hope alive during tough times and never surrendering, no matter how daunting the odds.
Poon Lim’s incredible survival story is one filled with courage and determination, with a proof that even in dire situations where hope seems lost; human spirit can prevail! His journey from an inexperienced sailor aboard SS Benlomond turned into an extraordinary tale illustrates what it means not just to survive but thrive against all odds. As we reflect upon this remarkable man's legacy today—let us remember that resilience coupled with hope can empower us through our darkest moments!
If you found Poon Lim's incredible survival story inspiring, please take a moment to like, comment and share this article. Your support helps spread awareness of his remarkable journey and encourages others to learn about resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Let’s inspire more people together! Thank you for being part of this journey!
