Overboard A True Bluewater Odyssey of Disaster and Survival

July 07, 2022 Post a Comment

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· 775 ratings · 75 reviews

Start your review of Overboard!: A True Blue-Water Odyssey of Disaster and Survival

Tougias has carved out a nice little niche for himself in the non-fiction market with another story about peril and rescue at sea. This time it's the true life tale about the rescue of the crew of a small sailboat en route to the Bahamas (...a three-hour tour, a three-hour tour...) that encounters a ferocious storm as it nears the Gulf Stream warm water current. Tougias's writing style is workmanlike, a bit on the bland side, but it gets the job done. Tougias has carved out a nice little niche for himself in the non-fiction market with another story about peril and rescue at sea. This time it's the true life tale about the rescue of the crew of a small sailboat en route to the Bahamas (...a three-hour tour, a three-hour tour...) that encounters a ferocious storm as it nears the Gulf Stream warm water current. Tougias's writing style is workmanlike, a bit on the bland side, but it gets the job done. ...more

It's a testament to Michael Tougias's writing that he so well captures the human spirit and resolve for survival in Overboard! : a true bluewater odyssey of disaster and survival. This is a book that I could not put down and yet it is not a book I can say I loved. How do you love a book with tragic results?

Overboard is the story of Captain Tom Tighe and his first mate Loch Reidy, who with three novice crew members set sail aboard the Almeisan for a five-day voyage from Connecticut to Bermuda. O

Overboard is the story of Captain Tom Tighe and his first mate Loch Reidy, who with three novice crew members set sail aboard the Almeisan for a five-day voyage from Connecticut to Bermuda. One of those rougue storms that no one can predict nor quite explain swept the Captain and Loch overboard and leaving the 3 inexperienced sailors to learn the ropes or sink.

Heroes? I never quite know who to give this title. If there are heroes, certainly our United States Coast Guard rescue team deserves this name. The same goes for the Filipino Merchant Ship who also raced to the disabled Almeisan without regard for their own lives. There were times while reading Overboard where I could not bear to read anymore of the storm's savage attack on these people. I cried. But I needed to press on to hear their fate. Can you imagine being two specks in the sea, so alone, waving a strobe light, hoping for someone to see you, as Tom Tighe and Loch Reidy were? Tougias's description of Loch's plight will always be with me. What wills these men and women to continue on under unsurmountable odds? and what compels other men and women to put their own lives in jeopardy to save their fellow men?

If I've ever thought of crewing on a sailboat this book could dampen my desire. And yet, the love of the sea, the smell of the ocean, the journey, the teamwork of raising the sails and the freedom from the land life, come through loud and clear. This is a not to be missed experience!

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May 28, 2014 Becky rated it really liked it

I read this book in two days while camping in Oklahoma. It was very difficult to put down, and that's after an entire winter of reading nothing but natural disaster stories and survival stories.

Tougias expertly covered the emotional turmoil of so many different people; you could tell he spent a great amount of time and care collecting their stories, listening, and understanding. Never did the author seem judgmental, although, in this case it seemed that everyone performed exemplarily. Tougias especially excelled at weaving other stories from the same storm into the narrative. These stops to see what was happening elsewhere drew the story along, but never forced it to be longer than it was. It allowed the reader to see the huge impact of the storm and how far it stretched across the coast.

I have the greatest admiration any time I read these for our Coast Guard's search and rescue efforts, from the rescue divers to the people that help deploy and coordinate other civilian ships in the area to help. On the sea, everyone that can help will help it seems, and the Coast Guard has put so much time and research into finding the most effective ways to communicate internationally for the protection of people on the coastal waters.

To read my review of my Natural Disaster Themed read which included 10 different disaster books click link: Here!

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May 01, 2013 Doreen rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Diane, Marisa, Kate, Nick, Matt, Cathy's dad, Sara P., Jan F.

Recommended to Doreen by: met the author at a library presentation

Tougias offers another chilling tale of two separate boats requiring two separate, terrifying rescues.

With his wonderful writing style, I read each word, 'seeing' every second of activity described. I felt intimately acquainted with each storm victim and rescuer through Togias' wonderful explanations and knowledge of storms, boating, the Coast Guard, etc.

With these two amazing stories of danger and courage, there is information that I would never have the opportunity to know, except for reading

Tougias offers another chilling tale of two separate boats requiring two separate, terrifying rescues.

With these two amazing stories of danger and courage, there is information that I would never have the opportunity to know, except for reading this book. The body loses heat 24X faster in water than in air of the same temperature. Rescue swimmers are trained to enter treacherous, lethal waters in an effort to rescue complete strangers! Sometimes the only choice left in deadly circumstances is to simply not do anything to make the situation worse. The body typically has a set number of hours that it can sustain life under periods of dehydration, starvation and sleeplessness. However, the mind and a strong will can extend this otherwise limited time period. This can be lifesaving, and it was, for the last man plucked alive from the angry sea.

Tougias offers a detailed account of the several days and nights that comprise this book. He does so with honor and respect for all those involved; the rescuers, the rescued, and for Captain Tighe, especially.

I woke early today to finish reading this book. It was difficult to abandon the last surviving sailor last night. I couldn't stay away from him for too long. The last dozen or more pages were read through tears. Each chapter carried me, breathless, into the following chapter, hoping with all my heart that the ending would mean rescue for this final victim and for the precious Captain Tighe.

I strongly recommend this book. It's for everyone, whether you're a landlubber or the ocean-loving sort. It doesn't matter. The tale is about danger, courage, respect, and triumph, something to which we can all relate. The lessons here are not just for ocean tragedies. They can be appreciated and incorporated into all our lives.

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Wow. Wow. Couldn't put this down (finished in 1 day)! This non-fiction book reads like fiction, and I had to keep asking myself what I would do if it were I in that situation. Don't think for a minute that Mother Nature is not the one in control on the open ocean. Wow. Wow. Couldn't put this down (finished in 1 day)! This non-fiction book reads like fiction, and I had to keep asking myself what I would do if it were I in that situation. Don't think for a minute that Mother Nature is not the one in control on the open ocean. ...more

Jan 15, 2012 Beth Johnston rated it it was amazing

Kept me on the edge of my seat. I could feel those 50 ft waves as well as each sailor's excitement, fear, despair, joy and sadness. Kept me on the edge of my seat. I could feel those 50 ft waves as well as each sailor's excitement, fear, despair, joy and sadness. ...more

Mar 03, 2021 Cameron rated it really liked it

A tail of some stupid sailers who classically thought a storm was not going to be as bad as it was. Got in way over their head and made it out live to sail again.

Long story short, Sail to a tropical island, whether getting bad, we can make it, nope, washed off the boat, get spotted, hard to rescue, get rescued, get treated as a hearo for being too dumb to die.

Don't get me wrong it was an entertaining book but it overplayed the "I'm a sailor, I can survive anything" and "I know everything about

A tail of some stupid sailers who classically thought a storm was not going to be as bad as it was. Got in way over their head and made it out live to sail again.

Don't get me wrong it was an entertaining book but it overplayed the "I'm a sailor, I can survive anything" and "I know everything about the sea"

Ok for a short book just tried to be to technical

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Aug 06, 2012 Steve rated it it was amazing

What a page turner! I was wrapped up in it and wanted to know what happened next. It's one of those books where you say to yourself late at night "okay, one more chapter before I go to bed." Several chapters later, you find yourself saying the same thing and it's a chore to put the book down and call it a night. Michael Tougias is a very good writer. The story in itself is riveting, but his writing style paints the picture and you feel like your right there watching everything happen. You will n What a page turner! I was wrapped up in it and wanted to know what happened next. It's one of those books where you say to yourself late at night "okay, one more chapter before I go to bed." Several chapters later, you find yourself saying the same thing and it's a chore to put the book down and call it a night. Michael Tougias is a very good writer. The story in itself is riveting, but his writing style paints the picture and you feel like your right there watching everything happen. You will not be disappointed should you choose to read this book. I will definitely read more of his books.

Friends know that I want to start sailing, and they thought I was nuts reading this. I said it would be good to understand what happened so that I'd know what helped save the people on the boats. There were a few tips that I pulled out, such as throw a pair of goggles into your ditch bag!

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If sailing makes you uneasy maybe you better not read this because this is one scary story. I didn't choose this book because like boats, but I do like exciting survival stories and this one was an edge-of-your-seat story. Tom Tighe and first mate Loch Reidy along with three other people attempted to cross the Gulf Stream to Bermuda in a 45-foot sail boat, the Almeisan. Tom, the captain, had made this trip many times, but they left earlier than usual and hit rough weather with huge waves. Tom ev If sailing makes you uneasy maybe you better not read this because this is one scary story. I didn't choose this book because like boats, but I do like exciting survival stories and this one was an edge-of-your-seat story. Tom Tighe and first mate Loch Reidy along with three other people attempted to cross the Gulf Stream to Bermuda in a 45-foot sail boat, the Almeisan. Tom, the captain, had made this trip many times, but they left earlier than usual and hit rough weather with huge waves. Tom eventually decides they need to abandon ship, and after a big wave hits, Loch end up in the water and in rough weather, rescue attempts were frightening. Tougia's vivid descriptions made this book a great story of survival. ...more

Jan 27, 2015 Cori McGraw rated it it was amazing

Riveting.

I picked this up as an audiobook from the local library for a long car trip, and I found myself at times driving an extra lap around the block, or taking the "long way" route give because I couldn't bear to arrive at my destination without hearing a few minutes more of what happens next in this book.

I love nonfiction, as I find these tales of coping with and overcoming adversity tremendously inspiring. I'm telling you, listen to this tale of being lost at sea on the drive over the gym,

Riveting.

I love nonfiction, as I find these tales of coping with and overcoming adversity tremendously inspiring. I'm telling you, listen to this tale of being lost at sea on the drive over the gym, and you will no longer feel sorry for yourself when your muscles are screaming in a mere one-hour workout.

Highly recommended.

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I could not put this book down. Neither could my husband. It's only 200 pages, but these pages pack a wallop in intensity of emotion! Two different sailboats in the midst of the worst hurricane on the East Coast (2005) encounter problems. It is utterly amazing what some people can go through to survive. I thought Loch was a phenomenal individual. READ THE BOOK! My desire for blue-water sailing is now completely nil! I could not put this book down. Neither could my husband. It's only 200 pages, but these pages pack a wallop in intensity of emotion! Two different sailboats in the midst of the worst hurricane on the East Coast (2005) encounter problems. It is utterly amazing what some people can go through to survive. I thought Loch was a phenomenal individual. READ THE BOOK! My desire for blue-water sailing is now completely nil! ...more

awesome! I'm not a sailor, but this is an incredible story. a must read awesome! I'm not a sailor, but this is an incredible story. a must read ...more

Sep 30, 2017 Trebor rated it it was amazing

Wow! Great book about some very brave and daring people. While reading this I was struck by the fact that these Coast Guard people do life saving actions in the worst circumstances, as a common occurrence. These are some of the great things about our country. The unselfish devotion to duty, and fearless performance under pressure that deserves our respect and honor. I love sea adventure books of all kinds and this is right up there with some of the best. A real page turner as so many reviewers h Wow! Great book about some very brave and daring people. While reading this I was struck by the fact that these Coast Guard people do life saving actions in the worst circumstances, as a common occurrence. These are some of the great things about our country. The unselfish devotion to duty, and fearless performance under pressure that deserves our respect and honor. I love sea adventure books of all kinds and this is right up there with some of the best. A real page turner as so many reviewers have said. Loved it and highly recommend this book to readers who like adventure stories. Thanks Goodreads for the recommendation. ...more

Jul 30, 2018 Karen rated it really liked it

This nonfiction book focuses on the fate of the sailboat Almeisan, which left Connecticut in May 2005 for what was supposed to be a 5-day pleasure and training cruise to Bermuda. The boat and its sailors got caught in an early-season storm that was near hurricane strength, and spread across a huge part of the eastern seaboard, so that they were not able to sail out of it. What happens next, how the sailors coped and adapted, how most survived, and the incredible efforts made by multiple rescuers This nonfiction book focuses on the fate of the sailboat Almeisan, which left Connecticut in May 2005 for what was supposed to be a 5-day pleasure and training cruise to Bermuda. The boat and its sailors got caught in an early-season storm that was near hurricane strength, and spread across a huge part of the eastern seaboard, so that they were not able to sail out of it. What happens next, how the sailors coped and adapted, how most survived, and the incredible efforts made by multiple rescuers, is an interesting and amazing story. I started this book very late Saturday night and finished it on Sunday. Truly a page turner! ...more

10/28/18 Was given to me 10/19/2010 by Lisa, Z, D,W&G. Finally had time to read in retirement.
Outstanding, gripping could be read again. About 45ft sailboat, Almeisan, caught in a very large low pressure storm. Crew was sailing from Bridgeport, CT to Bermuda. Five crew on board.

First part of book but beginning Chapter 5 about another sailboat, the At Ease, with 2 crew aboard caught in same storm. The were going to participate in the the Charleston to Bermuda race.

Survival is truly amazing

Good book and we'll written from a sailing point of view. Ocean is unforgiving and never takes a break. The strength of character both of these crews is tremendous. Tremendous and rightful credit given to Coast Guard and other mariners who joined in the rescue.

Survival is truly amazing

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Fighting for your lives at sea- Story about a 2005 super storm that caught a couple of yachts crossing the Gulf Stream at the wrong time and wrecked both boats. Written in that exciting- edge of your seat style that I like from time to time. Not everyone makes it but there's a lot of heroism described as you would expect in a book like this. Audible - 3***

Loved it!!

I cruise often to Bermuda and have often thought I'd love to sail there from NY. Not so much after this read. I am amazed at the bravery of the sailors in this book. I couldn't put it down.

A wonderful read. Michael Tougias is speaking in our community next week. One of the men in the crew is our neighbor, and spoke emotionally about his experience.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it for book clubs and other readers.

Mar 22, 2022 Vanessa rated it really liked it

My goodness. A truly nail-biting tale of disaster and rescue at sea. My husband and I listened to this on audiobook and would turn to each other at intervals with our jaws hanging open. Engaging narrator for the audio version.

Aug 28, 2017 Rick rated it really liked it

Despite the author's style, it was as hard to put this book down as any fictional thriller. A great read. Despite the author's style, it was as hard to put this book down as any fictional thriller. A great read. ...more

Incredible Story

I could not put this book down. Very well written true story of survival and the will to live. Fantastic story

Fascinating tale of survival!

Dec 29, 2018 Samantha rated it it was amazing

I felt like I was on the boat with the sailors. There were quite a few points where I actually stopped breathing.

Jan 04, 2019 Cathy Ames rated it it was amazing

Always riveting...what heroes work for and with the Coast Guard! I find myself holding my breath as I read the accounts of rescues.

Jul 25, 2019 Mary rated it really liked it

I started this book and could not put it down but had to in order to get some work done. Meantime my husband picked it up and didn't put it down until he was finished. A very incredible story! I started this book and could not put it down but had to in order to get some work done. Meantime my husband picked it up and didn't put it down until he was finished. A very incredible story! ...more

This was a very interesting book and you can tell a lot of research was done. Good ending. I would probably give it a five if I was more into sailing

Incredible book. I read it in one day, I couldn't put it down!! Incredible book. I read it in one day, I couldn't put it down!! ...more

May 10, 2021 Wanda Taylor rated it really liked it

This was a riveting and fascinating true story of bravery, determination, loyalty and an amazing rescue. I have to admit though, it diminished my desire to be out on the ocean in a sailboat!

Adventure is the theme that runs through most of my books, from outdoors titles (The Connecticut River from Source to Sea, Exploring the Hidden Charles) to fiction (Until I Have No Country) to nonfiction sea rescues (Overboard! A Storm Too Soon, Rescue of the Bounty).
One of my current adventures is waiting to see if Disney will begin filming a movie-length version of the Coast Guard rescue book Th Adventure is the theme that runs through most of my books, from outdoors titles (The Connecticut River from Source to Sea, Exploring the Hidden Charles) to fiction (Until I Have No Country) to nonfiction sea rescues (Overboard! A Storm Too Soon, Rescue of the Bounty).
One of my current adventures is waiting to see if Disney will begin filming a movie-length version of the Coast Guard rescue book The Finest Hours. Another adventure for me is publishing a funny family memoir with my daughter, called The Cringe Chronicles (Mortifying Misadventures with my Dad).
My friends have been asking if I'll write a sequel to There's a Porcupine in my Outhouse (2003 Outdoor Book of the Year) but I think they just want me to revise their characters so they don't look so dumb! ...more

News & Interviews

The American South has produced some Hall of Fame literary superstars: William Faulkner, Zora Neale Hurston, Harper Lee, Wendell Berry. And...

"A reader once asked me, "Do you only write disaster books?' It was a good question, because my last three offerings could qualify as weather-related disaster books. But it's not the storms or even the ensuing calamity that really interests me so much as the people . . . ordinary people thrust into incredibly difficult situations where they have to rise to the challenge, persevere, and fight against long odds." — 1 likes

"Abandoning a boat to get into a life raft is perhaps the biggest and most difficult decision a captain can make, and choosing what to do all depends upon each individual situation." — 1 likes

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