Are you drawn to thrilling survival stories where characters overcome impossible odds? The Crux: True Survival Stories is your podcast. Join us for gripping tal...
Abandon Ship: The Costa Concordia’s Night of Chaos | E 138
In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the catastrophic events surrounding the sinking of the Costa Concordia on January 13, 2012. This maritime disaster, caused by Captain Francesco Schettino's reckless decision to perform a risky maneuver close to shore, resulted in the deaths of 32 people and exposed significant failures in leadership and emergency procedures. The episode explores survivor accounts, the chaotic evacuation process, the captain's controversial actions, and the subsequent legal and engineering efforts to right and salvage the massive cruise ship. The story underscores the importance of decisive leadership and proper safety protocols in preventing such tragedies.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:23 Setting the Scene: The Costa Concordia
01:36 The Luxurious Costa Concordia
05:51 The Fateful Night: January 13, 2012
07:05 Captain Schettino's Critical Decisions
08:30 The Collision and Immediate Aftermath
12:02 Chaos and Evacuation Efforts
15:39 Survivor Accounts and Heroic Efforts
18:48 Testimonies and Delayed Evacuation
19:24 Chaos and Confusion Among Crew and Passengers
19:51 Survivor Accounts and Tragic Stories
20:43 Captain's Early Departure and Leadership Failures
21:38 Rescue Operations and Legal Consequences
24:08 Salvage Operations and Aftermath
28:30 Lessons Learned and Industry Changes
31:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
32:37 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement
Main sources that verify these details about the Costa Concordia:
Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport's official investigation report (2013)
Maritime Safety Investigation Report by the Marine Casualties Investigative Body
Legal Documents:
Criminal Trial Transcripts - Court of Grosseto (2013-2015)
Key Survivor Accounts Verified By Media:
Rose Metcalf (British crew member)
BBC News interview (January 17, 2012)
The Telegraph interview (January 18, 2012)
Georgia Ananias and family
Associated Press (January 14, 2012)
The Guardian coverage (January 15, 2012)
Benji Smith and Emily Lau
Published book: "Abandoned Ship" (2013)
CNN interview (January 2013)
Official Communications:
Italian Coast Guard Records
Costa Cruises Official Statements
Technical Analysis:
Lloyd's Register Technical Investigation (2012)
Salvage Operation Reports (2012-2014)
Ship Specifications and Construction:
Lloyd's Register of Shipping (2006) - Technical specifications including size, tonnage, and construction costs
Fincantieri Shipyard Official Documentation (2006) - Construction details and vessel specifications
Costa Cruises Press Release (July 2006) - Launch details and official specifications
Amenities and Features:
Costa Cruises Official Brochure (2011-2012 season) - Detailed listing of onboard facilities
"Cruise Ships: The World's Most Luxurious Vessels" by Peter C. Smith (2010) - Technical and amenity details
Cruise Critic's Ship Review (2011) - Independent review of facilities and amenities
Maritime Executive Magazine (2006) - Launch coverage with detailed amenity listings
Design Details:
"The Costa Concordia: A Case Study in Modern Cruise Ship Design" - Maritime Engineering Journal (2008)
Fincantieri Technical Documentation (2006) - Interior design specifications
Cruise Industry News Annual Report (2007) - Ship profile and features
Cost and Financial Details:
Costa Crociere S.p.A. Annual Report (2006) - Construction and operational costs
Marine Money International (2006) - Financing and construction costs
Lloyd's List Maritime Intelligence - Ship valuation reports
Mary Rowlandson-
Primary Sources-
Rowlandson, M. (1682). "A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson." First published in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This is the primary source for most of Mary's direct experiences and quotes
Secondary Sources-
Derounian-Stodola, K. Z. (1999). "Women's Indian Captivity Narratives." Penguin Classics.
Lepore, J. (1998). "The Name of War: King Philip's War and the Origins of American Identity." Vintage Books.
Schultz, E., & Tougias, M. J. (1999). "King Philip's War: The History and Legacy of America's Forgotten Conflict." Countryman Press
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/
Email us! [email protected]
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34:03
83 Seconds: The Frank Slide Catastrophe | E137
In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story podcast, hosts Kayce McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the catastrophic Frank slide of 1903 in Frank, Alberta. The episode explores how the small town's rapid growth led to a horrifying night when Turtle Mountain collapsed, burying parts of the town under 82 million tons of limestone. Survivors' tales, including miners digging their way out and heroic acts like Brakeman Sid Choquette's race to stop an oncoming train, highlight human resilience. The episode also discusses the town's recovery, ongoing geological risks, and lessons learned from indigenous wisdom. Listeners are encouraged to visit the Frank Slide Interpretive Center to witness the historic site and reflect on the power of nature and human endurance. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:21 The Frank Slide: Listener's Recommendation 02:08 A Town's Rapid Rise 05:06 Geological Background of Turtle Mountain 08:02 The Night of the Disaster 10:06 Immediate Aftermath and Heroic Acts 14:50 Miraculous Survivals Amidst Tragedy 16:27 The Miners' Desperate Struggle 18:33 Unexpected Discoveries and Heartbreak 20:38 Frank's Resilience and Future Threats 21:37 Modern Monitoring and Indigenous Wisdom 27:02 Conclusion and Reflections
Email us! [email protected]
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Additional information:
Alberta Parks - Frank Slide Interpretive Centre https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/frank-slide-interpretive-centre/
Alberta Geological Survey - Turtle Mountain Monitoring Program https://ags.aer.ca/activities/geohazards/turtle-mountain-monitoring-program
Parks Canada - Crowsnest Pass National Historic Site https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ab/crowsnest
University of Alberta Libraries Digital Collections - Frank Slide photographs https://archive.org/details/N-1969-71-14
Glenbow Museum Archives - Frank Slide Collection https://glenbow.ucalgary.ca/digital/
Alberta On Record - Frank Slide records https://albertaonrecord.ca/frank-alberta
Royal Alberta Museum - Frank Slide Exhibition https://royalalbertamuseum.ca/
Atlas of Alberta Railways - Frank Mine and Railway History http://railways.library.ualberta.ca/Chapters-7-2/
Natural Resources Canada - Landslide Case Histories https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-and-data/science-and-research/earth-sciences/landslides-canada
Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences - Research Papers on Frank Slide https://cdnsciencepub.com/journal/cjes
Crowsnest Pass Historical Society https://www.crowsnestmuseum.ca/
Travel Alberta - Frank Slide Information https://www.travelalberta.com/places-to-go/provincial-historic-sites/frank-slide-interpretive-centre/
University of Calgary Press - Books about Frank Slide https://press.ucalgary.ca/
CBC Digital Archives - Frank Slide Historical Coverage https://www.cbc.ca/archives/
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28:07
311 Days Underground: An Iraq Hostage's Fight for Survival | E136
In this episode of Crux True Survival Stories, host Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the harrowing survival story of Roy Hallums, an American contractor held captive for 311 days in Iraq. Kidnapped from his workplace in Baghdad in 2004, Hallums endured brutal conditions in a small underground bunker, facing physical and psychological torments. Despite the dire circumstances, Hallums employed mental strategies to keep hope alive. His eventual rescue by U.S. Special Forces underscores a tale of human resilience and the unyielding efforts of military personnel. Tune in to discover how detailed mental exercises, unwavering hope, and determined rescue operations culminated in Hallums' remarkable story of survival and return to his family.
00:00 Introduction to the True Survival Story
00:54 Roy Hallums' Abduction
03:23 Brutal Conditions of Captivity
07:21 Mental Strategies for Survival
12:38 The Power of Belief in Captivity
12:59 A Terrifying Video Message
13:39 Family's Tireless Efforts
15:15 The Breakthrough and Rescue
17:49 Reunion and Recovery
20:30 Roy's Story and Legacy
24:18 Appreciating the Little Things
24:45 Support and Farewell
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25:37
Darkness on the Bering Sea: The Sinking of the Alaska Ranger | E135
In this episode of The Crux: True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh and guest Julie Henningsen recount the harrowing tale of the Alaska Ranger's sinking on Easter morning 2008 in the Bering Sea. With treacherous conditions, the crew faced a nightmare situation as the vessel took on water. The story showcases incredible bravery, tragic losses, and the valiant efforts of the Coast Guard in what became the largest cold-water rescue in their history. The episode also dives into the technical aspects of the disaster, revealing the series of events and shortcomings that led to the tragedy. Special guest Matt Dewitt, a commercial fishing captain, provides insights into the challenges of operating in such deadly waters and preparing for emergencies at sea. 00:00 Introduction and Apology to Australian Listeners 01:17 Preview of Today's Episode: The Bering Sea Rescue 02:41 Understanding the Deadly Bering Sea 05:35 The Alaska Ranger and Its Crew 07:59 The Sinking Begins: March 23, 2008 09:47 Mayday Call and Coast Guard Response 11:36 Survival in the Freezing Waters 14:37 Coast Guard Rescue Operations 18:36 Vomit Chain Reaction 19:14 Midair Refueling and Rescue Efforts 19:41 Tragic Losses and Survivors 20:33 Investigation and Findings 21:44 Industry Changes and Recognition 23:43 Another Tragic Incident: The Destination 26:37 Interview with Captain Matt Dewitt 29:22 Safety Measures and Training 39:00 Technical Aspects of the Alaska Ranger Sinking 45:21 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
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Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/
# References
Aviation History Branch. (n.d.). The Alaska Ranger rescue. Coast Guard Aviation History. https://cgaviationhistory.org/sar/the-alaska-ranger-rescue/
Bernton, H. (2018, March 23). 'The truth needed to come out': A decade after the sinking of the Alaska Ranger, a survivor changes his story. The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/northwest/the-truth-needed-to-come-out-a-decade-after-the-sinking-of-the-alaska-ranger-a-survivor-changes-his-story/
FV Alaska Ranger. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FV_Alaska_Ranger
Snow, R. (2022, March 23). The Long Blue Line: Alaska Ranger—The historic Bering Sea rescue that defied the odds. MyCG. https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/2953466/the-long-blue-line-alaska-rangerthe-historic-bering-sea-rescue-that-defied-the/
Thompson, K. (2010). Deadliest Sea: The Untold Story Behind the Greatest Rescue in Coast Guard History. William Morrow.
The Bering Sea. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bering_Sea
https://www.smhi.se/en/theme/ice-accretion-1.84870
Additional Media Coverage:
- Discovery Channel. (n.d.). Mayday! Bering Sea [Television broadcast]
- Disasters at Sea - Shipwrecked in Alaska. (n.d.). Season 1, Episode 5. Quest (UK) & Smithsonian Channel (US)
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46:08
They Should've DIED From These Snake Bites... But Somehow Survived! | E134
In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into gripping recounts of snakebite survival stories. Julie takes us on a journey from Montana's fearsome wilderness to the perilous Australian outback, narrating extraordinary tales of people managing to survive venomous snake encounters. Highlights include the terrifying experiences of a man bitten by a rattle-less rattlesnake, a teenager's close call with the world's most venomous snake, a shocking incident at a bowling club, and a courageous Golden Retriever's encounter with a rattlesnake. Additionally, we explore the astounding lives of individuals who have turned snake venom immunity into a lifelong mission. These stories underscore the unpredictability of nature and the sheer resilience of both humans and animals. Tune in for a rollercoaster of emotions as we unravel these true survival battles.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:16 Snakebite Survival Stories
01:50 Jason Hogue's Rattlesnake Encounter
08:46 The Most Venomous Snake in the World
13:59 A Deadly Encounter at the Bowling Club
18:09 Bill Haast: The Snake Obsessed Man
18:40 Bill Haast's Venomous Journey
18:57 The Serpentarium: A Venomous Spectacle
19:36 Self-Immunization: Bill's Unique Approach
20:36 A Walking Anti-Venom Factory
22:12 Tim Freed: Following in Bill's Footsteps
25:37 Dusty the Golden Retriever's Rattlesnake Encounter
30:12 Snakebite Statistics and Treatment
35:19 Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action
Web References
Official Health & Safety Resources
World Health Organization Snake Bites Information:
https://www.who.int/health-topics/snakebite
CDC Snake Bite Prevention & Treatment:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/
News Coverage
The Montana Standard - Original source for Bill Childrey's story (local Montana newspaper):
https://mtstandard.com/
NBC Montana - Original coverage of Jason Hauge incident:
https://nbcmontana.com/
(Note: Original 2013 article may no longer be available due to age)
Research & Educational Resources
University of Adelaide Toxicology Resources:
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/
(For taipan venom information)
Additional Snake Safety Resources
American Association of Poison Control Centers:
https://www.aapcc.org/
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Snake Safety:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/
For the most current and accurate information about snake safety and bite prevention, please consult official health organizations like WHO, CDC, or your local poison control center.
Email us! [email protected]
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/
Are you drawn to thrilling survival stories where characters overcome impossible odds? The Crux: True Survival Stories is your podcast. Join us for gripping tales of resilience and invaluable insights into wilderness survival and the mindset needed to overcome adversity. Hosted by Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen, both passionate about wilderness and medicine, our podcast is fueled by real-life stories and the pivotal moments that determine life or death outcomes.
Tune in for captivating narratives that entertain and educate. Airing every Monday!
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