By Natalia Rueda 
A feat of determination, resilience and luck recently played out on the high seas, when a Mexican tuna vessel rescued an Australian sailor and his dog from a small boat more than two months after they were first declared lost.
Tim Lindsay Shaddock, 54, and his puppy “Bella” were located onboard the off the coast of Mexico on Monday evening by Grupomar, the owner of the tuna vessel. After almost 3,000 miles of struggling to stay afloat, not knowing when or how they’d be found, Shaddock and his furry companion were soon to be safely returned to shore.
Shaddock’s ordeal began in April, when he and Bella set sail from La Paz, Mexico aboard their catamaran, the Aloha Toa. The energetic 54-year-old was aiming to embark on a 6,000 km journey from Baja California to French Polynesia. But unforeseeable disaster struck in the form of a severe storm, which left the Aloha Toa severely damaged and adrift.
The two resorted to eating raw fish and conserving rainwater, with little hope of ever being found. Many would have crumbled under such circumstances, however Shaddock’s courage and endurance held fast, allowing him to survive and persevere through the misery.
After such a strenuous ordeal, the 54-year-old Shaddock commented that he was “in pretty good health” and just needed to rest and eat well. The crew of the tuna vessel, led by Captain Oscar Meza Oregon, was swift to provide medical attention and nourishment to those in need.
It can safely be said that the Australian man and his loyal pup have defeated the odds and proven what is possible with a fighting spirit and a whole lotta love.