After the ‘Pride of Baltimore’ Sank, 8 Crew Members Survived 4 Days Adrift in the Ocean

**Survivors of Pride of Baltimore Shipwreck Share Incredible Tale of Resilience**

The crew of the Pride of Baltimore, a renowned 136-foot schooner, faced a harrowing ordeal during a violent storm north of Puerto Rico in May 1986. The vessel, which was celebrated as Baltimore’s goodwill ambassador, sank within moments of being struck by hurricane-force winds, leaving its crew to battle the elements in a desperate struggle for survival.

On the fateful day of May 14, the crew had anticipated challenging seas, but they were unprepared for the rapid turn of events that would see their ship swallowed by the ocean. Scott Jeffrey, then a 27-year-old crew member, recalled the morning starting as a pleasant sailing experience. However, as a storm brewed, an emergency call was issued around 11 a.m. local time, bringing the crew on deck in a hurry. They donned safety harnesses, confident they could handle the worsening conditions.

Unfortunately, within moments, disaster struck. Jeffrey recounted the terrifying sound of wind thrashing through the rigging before the schooner was tossed violently by gusts exceeding 70 miles per hour. What the crew initially believed they could weather turned deadly as the Pride of Baltimore rolled over. “The next thing I knew, I was underwater,” remembered Jeffrey, who, in a frantic effort, managed to rescue fellow crew member Susan Huesman. Together, they witnessed their ship vanish beneath the waves, leaving them and seven others adrift.

Following the catastrophic loss of the vessel, the survivors regrouped on two life rafts, one of which was severely damaged. After considerable effort, Jeffrey assisted a fellow crew member in inflating the remaining raft, a moment he described as “a little victory.” But hope was hard-earned; the small raft, designed for just six people, became their refuge despite being cramped and leaking constantly.

The days that followed were fraught with hardship. The survivors struggled with limited food and water, relegating themselves to rationed supplies of half a biscuit and 1.5 ounces of canned water each day. To cope with their dire circumstances, they even attempted to catch fish, but their attempts proved futile. Rain provided scant relief, allowing them to collect fresh drinking water, but it was never enough to eliminate their ongoing desperation.

Life in the raft required enormous endurance and adaptability. The survivors had to confront the reality of their situation practically, abandoning any notions of modesty in such dire conditions. Jeffrey acknowledged that the ordeal took a heavy emotional toll, leaving each crew member vulnerable to bouts of despair. However, they found solace in each other, singing songs to maintain morale. Some selections delivered unwelcome reminders of their plight, but “Puff, the Magic Dragon” became their anthem of hope.

Despite their attempts to attract rescue, the survivors spent four agonising days on the water, spotting numerous ships that failed to see them. Their persistence was rewarded on the fourth night when Leslie McNish, another crew member, spotted a distant vessel that turned out to be a Norwegian tanker. Their calls for help were finally answered when the tanker responded to their SOS signals.

Upon being rescued, the survivors were met with compassion and care from the tanker crew, who offered hot drinks, food, and medical attention — conveniences they had sorely missed during their four-day ordeal.

Reflecting on the experience, Jeffrey spoke about its profound impact on his perspective toward life. “I don’t worry so much about the bills or the car insurance,” he shared, underscoring the resilience the crew demonstrated under extreme pressure. He highlighted the moments of kindness and solidarity among them as they navigated their harrowing circumstances, which ultimately forged an unbreakable bond among the survivors.

Jeffrey ended his reflections on a poignant note, stating, “I have seven friends who saved my life, and we’ll always be tied together.” The harrowing voyage not only tested their endurance but also reaffirmed the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Today, their story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and camaraderie amidst overwhelming challenges.