Author Talk: Michael J. Tougias, "Overboard: A True Bluewater Odyssey of Disaster and Survival"

Darien Library and Darien Sail & Power Squadron are excited to welcome author, Michael J. Tougias, who will talk about his book, Overboard: A True Bluewater Odyssey of Disaster and Survival.

In this harrowing true story, a classic of survival at sea, Tom Tighe, captain of a 45-foot-long sailboat named the Almeisan, and his first mate, Loch Reidy, welcomed three new crew members for a five-day voyage from Connecticut across the blue waters of the Gulf Stream to sun-drenched Bermuda in May 2005. The new crew included 46-year-old Kathy Gilchrist, 70-year-old Ron Burd, and 34-year-old Chris Ferrer. Although Tighe had made the trip 48 times, with Reidy accompanying him on 20 of those voyages, the rest of the crew had joined to learn more about offshore sailing. 

Four days into the voyage, an enormous storm struck, sweeping two of the crew into the towering sea. The remaining crew members managed to stay aboard the vessel as it was slowly torn apart by the rampaging ocean. Overboard! follows the simultaneous desperate struggles of both those still on the boat and those fighting for their lives in the sea. 

The Coast Guard, alerted to the Almeisan’s distress, rushed to the storm-tossed scene. Their ensuing search and rescue mission proved so spectacularly difficult and dangerous that it was later selected—from among thousands of incidents—as the Guard’s search and rescue case of the year. Highly trained helicopter pilots and rescue swimmers alike found themselves in almost as much trouble as those trapped by the ferocious ocean. By turns tragic, thrilling, and deeply inspiring, Overboard! is a riveting, fast-paced story of death and survival at sea—amazing, unforgettable, and all true.

Find out more about this ultra-suspenseful and high-stakes human drama!

About Michael J. Tougias

Michael J. Tougias is a New York Times bestselling author and co-author of 30 books for adults and 7 for children and young adults. Among his bestsellers are The Finest Hours, Fatal Forecast, Overboard, King Philip's War, and Extreme Survival: Lessons Learned.

Michael lectures across the country on each of his book topics. He also offers leadership/inspirational programs for business groups, and has spoken to companies and organizations such as General Dynamics, Raytheon, Massachusetts School Library Association, New York University Surgeons Round Table and many more.

About Darien Sail & Power Squadron

The Darien Sail & Power Squadron (DSPS) is dedicated to civic service and education in matters having to do with safety on the water. Chartered in 1953, DSPS is committed to achieving and promoting high standards of navigation, seamanship, and safety by our personal conduct and performance on the water.