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Albatross: The True Story of a Woman's Survival at Sea
A tale of shipwreck and survival recounts the experiences of five people adrift in a dinghy and surrounded by sharks as they wait to be rescued
210 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1994
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597 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 20, 2022
Retrospective Review
I was looking through some shows on the Discovery channel and came across the 45-minute documentary they made on this, and it reminded me of the book and the story in general.
I read this book over ten years ago, and it remains one of the most terrifying true stories and survival stories I’ve ever come across. 5 young and relatively inexperienced people are taking a yacht, The Trashman, up along the East coast for a client. The yacht sinks and all five of them end up sharing a small dinghy, floating in the ocean, hoping for a miracle. Not all of them make it back.
There are sharks. There are infected, festering wounds. There are people who drink seawater and lose their minds. This is a truly horrifying story of survival written by Deborah Scaling Kiley, one of the survivors of the event. If you’re into this kind of thing, this is a survival story you don’t want to miss.
I was looking through some shows on the Discovery channel and came across the 45-minute documentary they made on this, and it reminded me of the book and the story in general.
I read this book over ten years ago, and it remains one of the most terrifying true stories and survival stories I’ve ever come across. 5 young and relatively inexperienced people are taking a yacht, The Trashman, up along the East coast for a client. The yacht sinks and all five of them end up sharing a small dinghy, floating in the ocean, hoping for a miracle. Not all of them make it back.
There are sharks. There are infected, festering wounds. There are people who drink seawater and lose their minds. This is a truly horrifying story of survival written by Deborah Scaling Kiley, one of the survivors of the event. If you’re into this kind of thing, this is a survival story you don’t want to miss.
June 23, 2020
Incredibly riveting tale of survival. I'm a sucker for survival stories, but they're rarely told by women. In this case, not only is the protagonist a woman; she was also the most skilled sailor on board and probably the reason there were two survivors.
I'd hoped for more depth and details than I'd gleaned from the documentary, but what I saw was pretty much what I got in the book as well. There were a few more details about Meg and Mark's personalities in the book, and an epilogue about how Deborah found her way back to the ocean after her ordeal, but that's about it.
I can't imagine how horrible this experience was, or how they managed to survive as long as they did. Whenever you're in a tough spot, ask yourself, "What would Deb Kiley do?"
I'd hoped for more depth and details than I'd gleaned from the documentary, but what I saw was pretty much what I got in the book as well. There were a few more details about Meg and Mark's personalities in the book, and an epilogue about how Deborah found her way back to the ocean after her ordeal, but that's about it.
I can't imagine how horrible this experience was, or how they managed to survive as long as they did. Whenever you're in a tough spot, ask yourself, "What would Deb Kiley do?"
January 25, 2020
I had been putting off this book for a long time. My dad, however, kept telling me to read it. It is incredible. Intense and quick read. It is surely a 5 star book to anyone who enjoys sea survival stories. My 4 star rating is solely based on my dislike of sailing jargon, which accounts for small portion of this book.
August 9, 2022
The book jacket had quotes from people saying this book was so riveting they couldn't put it down, and it's true.
I could have read it in a single sitting but I had to pace myself---it's that exciting and terrifying at the same time.
If you're planning a sailing trip in the near future, postpone reading this book!
I could have read it in a single sitting but I had to pace myself---it's that exciting and terrifying at the same time.
If you're planning a sailing trip in the near future, postpone reading this book!
June 29, 2024
Wow, they've been trought a lot.
May 30, 2024
Here after watching the 2011 movie "Albatross"... amazing story
November 6, 2013
Another true adventure, this time with a woman as the protagonist, and a book I quickly read and liked. When I began the book, I thought it would be about a solo journey by the woman, Deborah Scalling Kiley. Actually, it was about a crew which began as five and later became just two. Deborah's travails included far more than the challenges of the ocean, but all held my interest. I also liked the fact of her mentioning that participation in the Outward Bound program as a youth taught her valuable skills. Part of the book's proceeds go to making the Outward Bound program available to disadvantaged children.
September 21, 2008
I read about a study that referenced this author/book. The study was about people who survive tragedies/severe circumstances - and what sets them apart from people who perish. Compelling subject.
I was led to pick up this book. Even though the book was not all that well written (it could have been worse), I was caught up in the story once they were shipwrecked. I cannot imagine going through what these people went through. Incredible. With all my heart, I hope the author is doing well.
I was led to pick up this book. Even though the book was not all that well written (it could have been worse), I was caught up in the story once they were shipwrecked. I cannot imagine going through what these people went through. Incredible. With all my heart, I hope the author is doing well.
February 9, 2019
I was disappointed there were no photos included aside from the back page of the author. I wondered what the others looked like as well as the boat itself. I'm a bit curious Deborah Kiley, I didn't warm up to her much throughout the book, she was a bit rough around the edges... I see that she died at the age of 54, quite young, I'm curious as to what became of her..
August 29, 2008
I bought this book for a friend who had been searching for it under the wrong title. She enjoyed it and gave it to me. WOW! If you like adventure this one's for you. Excellent read.
February 21, 2025
This story gave me the feeling of driving past a car crash: You don't want to look, and yet you can't look away. I wanted to stop reading at times, and yet I couldn't stop.
Throughout the book, Debbie dives deep into her harrowing experience of surviving the sinking of the boat Trashman. She does not shy away from the gritty details. When she talks about the sharks bumping against the boat, I could feel my own fear and anxiety, imagining myself in the same position. I knew from the beginning that only Debbie and Brad survived, so I kept anxiously reading to find out how the other three died.
Every other story I have watched, read, or heard regarding survival at sea discusses the constant thirst and threat of dehydration. I was surprised that this was not a focus of the story, although both John and Mark did end up drinking seawater, which led to their demise. Debbie only mentions once or twice how good it would feel to drink something. I wonder if the weather played a role in this, as it sounds like it was cloudy, stormy, and cool most of the days they were stranded out there. Hypothermia seemed more of a threat to their survival than dehydration.
It is quite amazing that they were spotted by a Russian freighter after only five days. What are the chances? The ocean is so vast, and their Zodiac raft was so small. I am also surprised that the Coast Guard stopped looking for them after they failed to make radio contact. Why? Who was the person that called and said the Trashman was safely docked in port?
Lastly, it was surprising to me how Debbie is very upfront and direct about her dislike of both John and Mark, and even Meg at times. I feel like when people die, there is a tendency to only talk about them in good terms, whether or not that is an accurate reflection of their time on Earth. Debbie does not follow this same pattern; instead, I'm not sure if she ever says anything good about the three of them.
This is silly, but I thought of the part in Lost when the Oceanic Six leave the island and return to society. They all agree to sustain the lie that they are the only ones who survived. They agree to hide the truth. Could it be possible that Brad and Debbie, as the only survivors, have hidden some truth about what happened on the Zodiac? After all, it seems that no love was lost between them and those who perished. Although, if some truth was hidden, I'm not sure why Debbie would decide to write a book about her experience. Why draw attention to it? Just a thought. I do believe Debbie. However, it is interesting that the Russian doctor's recollection of the rescue differs quite a bit from Debbie's. Just goes to show that people remember things differently. One person's truth may not be the same as another's.
I looked up Debbie on Wikipedia and saw that one of her children died in 2009 in a drowning accident, and she herself died in 2012 at only 54 years old. It sounds like she had a tough life. I hope that she was able to find some peace through it all.
Throughout the book, Debbie dives deep into her harrowing experience of surviving the sinking of the boat Trashman. She does not shy away from the gritty details. When she talks about the sharks bumping against the boat, I could feel my own fear and anxiety, imagining myself in the same position. I knew from the beginning that only Debbie and Brad survived, so I kept anxiously reading to find out how the other three died.
Every other story I have watched, read, or heard regarding survival at sea discusses the constant thirst and threat of dehydration. I was surprised that this was not a focus of the story, although both John and Mark did end up drinking seawater, which led to their demise. Debbie only mentions once or twice how good it would feel to drink something. I wonder if the weather played a role in this, as it sounds like it was cloudy, stormy, and cool most of the days they were stranded out there. Hypothermia seemed more of a threat to their survival than dehydration.
It is quite amazing that they were spotted by a Russian freighter after only five days. What are the chances? The ocean is so vast, and their Zodiac raft was so small. I am also surprised that the Coast Guard stopped looking for them after they failed to make radio contact. Why? Who was the person that called and said the Trashman was safely docked in port?
Lastly, it was surprising to me how Debbie is very upfront and direct about her dislike of both John and Mark, and even Meg at times. I feel like when people die, there is a tendency to only talk about them in good terms, whether or not that is an accurate reflection of their time on Earth. Debbie does not follow this same pattern; instead, I'm not sure if she ever says anything good about the three of them.
This is silly, but I thought of the part in Lost when the Oceanic Six leave the island and return to society. They all agree to sustain the lie that they are the only ones who survived. They agree to hide the truth. Could it be possible that Brad and Debbie, as the only survivors, have hidden some truth about what happened on the Zodiac? After all, it seems that no love was lost between them and those who perished. Although, if some truth was hidden, I'm not sure why Debbie would decide to write a book about her experience. Why draw attention to it? Just a thought. I do believe Debbie. However, it is interesting that the Russian doctor's recollection of the rescue differs quite a bit from Debbie's. Just goes to show that people remember things differently. One person's truth may not be the same as another's.
I looked up Debbie on Wikipedia and saw that one of her children died in 2009 in a drowning accident, and she herself died in 2012 at only 54 years old. It sounds like she had a tough life. I hope that she was able to find some peace through it all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2022
I picked this book up at a library. I read a lot of books on mountaineering and arctic exploration and this seemed like it would be a similar true adventure/survival read.
I found the writing to be okay overall. Not deathless prose, but heartfelt and honest. I was shaking my head a few times, such as when she said that the sea is like a snarling dog and can sense your weakness. Really? But she also prays to god, so perhaps he is the snarling dog ready to jettison human lives for being weak.
I found the narrator to be a little off-putting on her condescending attitude. She comes across as privileged and looking down on others even as she admits to mistakes and weaknesses of her own. Also, her description of the rescue seemed at odds with what the rescuers reported, but no two people see events exactly the same, I suppose.
But it is an interesting story and a short book at that. I looked up the author and saw she died fairly young, with no cause of death provided. My first guess would be a condition due to all the years of her eating disorder. That can cause wear and tear on body organs. But who knows? The point is, she lived a lot loner than three of the other crew members, whether because of god or the snarling dog or her own strength.
I found the writing to be okay overall. Not deathless prose, but heartfelt and honest. I was shaking my head a few times, such as when she said that the sea is like a snarling dog and can sense your weakness. Really? But she also prays to god, so perhaps he is the snarling dog ready to jettison human lives for being weak.
I found the narrator to be a little off-putting on her condescending attitude. She comes across as privileged and looking down on others even as she admits to mistakes and weaknesses of her own. Also, her description of the rescue seemed at odds with what the rescuers reported, but no two people see events exactly the same, I suppose.
But it is an interesting story and a short book at that. I looked up the author and saw she died fairly young, with no cause of death provided. My first guess would be a condition due to all the years of her eating disorder. That can cause wear and tear on body organs. But who knows? The point is, she lived a lot loner than three of the other crew members, whether because of god or the snarling dog or her own strength.
December 3, 2019
A tale of how a woman "survived surviving".
A wholesome book. Though I got bored at first, adrenaline gradually intensified at every turn of the page. I was eager to know what will happen to them, how will they survive, how will they die? These questions made me hungry until I was already at the last page where Debbie broke free of her fears and was able to spread her wings like an Albatross. I specially love the closing line and the appendices.
This made my heart wrenched with emotion and my mind realized how hard sailors, fishermen, and sailors alike struggle to make a living amidst the perilous threats of the raging sea, battling all kinds of horrors, fighting for survival. Goosebumps.
Further, I also became more aware of the fact that where there is love, there is fear, where there are comfort, there are threats. Debbie loved sailing, but it took her awhile to get past the ghost of those long dark nights.
It's just simply what I needed to keep my mind off some things. 💕
A wholesome book. Though I got bored at first, adrenaline gradually intensified at every turn of the page. I was eager to know what will happen to them, how will they survive, how will they die? These questions made me hungry until I was already at the last page where Debbie broke free of her fears and was able to spread her wings like an Albatross. I specially love the closing line and the appendices.
This made my heart wrenched with emotion and my mind realized how hard sailors, fishermen, and sailors alike struggle to make a living amidst the perilous threats of the raging sea, battling all kinds of horrors, fighting for survival. Goosebumps.
Further, I also became more aware of the fact that where there is love, there is fear, where there are comfort, there are threats. Debbie loved sailing, but it took her awhile to get past the ghost of those long dark nights.
It's just simply what I needed to keep my mind off some things. 💕
September 25, 2024
Several years ago I watched a made for TV movie on the Discovery Channel about the horrific story of the Trashman yacht. It was one of those movies that boasts "based on a true story" at the beginning. After revisiting the story in a podcast (shout-out to Tooth and Claw!), I wanted to read a first hand account. The podcast host mentioned this book and I found it at my local library.
I finished it in one day. It's a short book, but Deborah Scaling Kiley is also a good storyteller. Her story is something most of us only have nightmares about and I had to keep reminding myself, "This is REAL". It's terrible and heartbreaking. The suffering of all five victims is unimaginable, the events that took place and the aftermath. But the ending was beautiful and inspiring, part of why I continue to have hope for humanity.
I finished it in one day. It's a short book, but Deborah Scaling Kiley is also a good storyteller. Her story is something most of us only have nightmares about and I had to keep reminding myself, "This is REAL". It's terrible and heartbreaking. The suffering of all five victims is unimaginable, the events that took place and the aftermath. But the ending was beautiful and inspiring, part of why I continue to have hope for humanity.
September 23, 2019
Great book of a harrowing account! At times this is poetical. The author uses simple language (other then when she’s describing a boats technicalities which I don’t understand a lot of). I think that’s why the book flowed so nicely. I was able to read it in a day. It was interesting to see the psychology of the situation as things progressively got worse. One of my favorite moments was when one of the crew was dancing before their death. The author has a way of touching your heart with the sweet moments of life found throughout the book. The offering to Poseidon was another thing that I remembered well. I saw some movie with Josh Duhamil on the Discovery show and in the end it said the movie wasn’t based off this book, that’s why I got it to read and I wasn’t disappointed.
November 15, 2017
Horrifying and captivating at the same time. A quick read that made me pause many times -- how could this be a true story?
December 3, 2017
Beautifully written, gut-wrenching, and heartbreaking. I couldn't put it down.
August 14, 2019
I saw the shark week movie about this and knew I needed to read what really happened. This is such a sad story.
August 11, 2020
3.5 stars for the writing.
January 2, 2021
I read the first page before bed and the rest of the book in one sitting early this morning. Gripping story.
March 22, 2023
Absolutely terrifying. I would've pitched myself into the sea on the second day.
February 15, 2025
Napisane jak jakas powiesc a jednak sa to wspomnienia
Przerazajace sytuacja az sama poczulam zimno wody
Przerazajace sytuacja az sama poczulam zimno wody
November 7, 2022
Incredible story that was hard to put down once I started. Highly recommend if you like water survival stories.
January 10, 2008
This is one of my survival books. Deborah Scaling Kiley relates the story of an ill-fated sailing trip from Maine to Florida in 1982 when she was 21 years old. One of my interests in survival stories is the question of leadership in determining survival another is the question of what makes a person a survivor. Kiley's book (Kiley is her married name) certainly brings out strongly what a leader is NOT. Three people on this journey die - two because they simple fall apart and begin hallucinating - possibly because of delirium tremens. Kiley's survival seems to be mostly luck and some pluck - she shows few of the usual traits that survivors at sea exhibit. A very personal account. My husband loved it, surprisingly.
Probably only for those who sail or have my bizarre interest in studying survival.
Probably only for those who sail or have my bizarre interest in studying survival.
April 8, 2013
I finished a book last night that kept me awake when I turned out the light to sleep. Albatross. A woman’s story of surviving at sea when the sailboat she was crewing on sank. As I lay there in the dark, trying to drift into dreamland, I saw her purple puckered sores in the filthy slosh of the Zodiac. I thought of the sharks bumping the rubber lifeboat, the scream she heard when one of her crew mates swam away in the night in delirium, the putrefied body of another crew mate who died in the lifeboat with her. And I thought, this happened. For real. These words, they are this woman’s best attempt at capturing the horror of what we read about over and over again in fiction. But this time it was true.
The writing isn't spectacular, but the story was worth it.
The writing isn't spectacular, but the story was worth it.
January 6, 2011
I first heard about this story from The Moth Podcast and knew I had to read more. I ripped through this book in 24hours. It's wild and depressing and reads like a roller coaster. Many true survival books have protagonists that wax intellectual about why they survived, or go hippy dippy about the precarious state of man and how surviving is all spiritual. Blah. in this one, she narrates humbly and articulately. You can tell she isn't writing the book to make a buck or to philosophize life. Loved it.
March 9, 2013
After reading Red Sky in Mourning, I wanted to read another inspiring survival-at-sea true story. I wish I hadn't read this book; it was depressing. She kept talking about how she shouldn't have joined a crew led by a drunk, undisciplined, incompetent captain. 5 people in a lifeboat; only 2 survive. What happened on the lifeboat was unconscionable - what the people did to each other...
Memorable phrase from the book: "Surviving survival." How the author survived surviving this traumatic experience almost redeemed the book, but not quite.
Memorable phrase from the book: "Surviving survival." How the author survived surviving this traumatic experience almost redeemed the book, but not quite.
June 18, 2011
I'd read an excerpt from this book in Barbara Sjoholm's "Steady as She Goes: Women's Adventure's at Sea," and knew that I had to read the rest, as it was the most gripping story in the book.
Scaling is helping deliver a boat from Maine to the Caribbean when it sinks in the Atlantic. She and four other crewmates are adrift on a dinghy, with sharks surrounding them. They don't all survive.
Good writing, great read.
Scaling is helping deliver a boat from Maine to the Caribbean when it sinks in the Atlantic. She and four other crewmates are adrift on a dinghy, with sharks surrounding them. They don't all survive.
Good writing, great read.
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September 24, 2008I saw this woman's story on the discovery channel's, "I Shouldn't Be Alive" and learned that she had written a book about her experience. It's pretty crazy what she went through, she is definitely lucky to have survived. It's not super great writing and there's too much language, but definitely interesting. It was a quick read.
August 16, 2008
Though the story was interesting and kept one entertained with the horrific details of being lost at sea for 5 days, the story could have been written better. The swearing in the book was too strong, even if that's how it really happened, I didn't care to read with that language. This book reminded me a bit of Life of Pi.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews