Conversations Shipwrecked and alone: surviving the Blythe Star
Jul 31, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Mick Doleman, a crew member of the ill-fated Blythe Star and co-author of 'Back from the Dead,' shares his gripping survival story after the shipwreck in the Southern Ocean. He recounts the harrowing challenges of being stranded at sea, from chaotic navigation struggles to the desperate fight for survival amid despair and hope. Mick also reflects on his maritime journey, touching on the lessons learned from the disaster and the pressing need for accountability in maritime safety.
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Overloaded Ship Listing Dangerously
- The Blythe Star was heavily overloaded and sitting too low in the water during its voyage near Tasmania.
- Mick noticed the ship listing badly due to improperly secured cargo before the disaster struck.
Sinking Ship, No Lifeboat Escape
- Mick and crew escaped the sinking ship wearing only their underwear in the freezing Southern Ocean.
- Lifeboats were useless; the captain removed vital tools, so they had to rely on a life raft that they launched under dire circumstances.
Bureaucracy Doomed the Search
- The search for the Blythe Star was hampered by bureaucratic confusion, indifference, and poor coordination.
- Multiple agencies had overlapping roles, causing delays and ultimately a botched rescue effort.
