Dive into Danger

With miles and miles of sea between them and land, and no sign of rescue, the sun began to set. The pair dreaded the hours of darkness that followed. The night was indeed long. As they swam through the water it began to sparkle. Phosphorescence was beautiful but it meant they had to stop moving as it could have attracted predators. Worse still, they were surrounded by flickering lights made by other bodies – but they couldn't make out whose. The experience was petrifying. They had to restrain their imaginations. David says, 'your fear is unbelievable, it was the most stressful night of my life'.

Sunrise was the most beautiful they had ever seen. They must have been over the worst. The sun was up and land was not far away. The pair were dehydrated and exhausted and nearly home when they noticed a huge hammerhead shark fin circling. At this moment, they preyed for a quick death. Finally, it left them be.

David and Melissa reached shore after swimming 20 miles and spending 26 terrifying hours in the water. They were rescued 100 yards away from being dashed against a rocky shore.

David lives in the Solomon Islands and still dives regularly.

Melissa returned to Canada and hasn't dived since.

The Dive | Left Behind | Twenty-six Hours

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