The CRUX: True Survival Stories

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]

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] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ 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/

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

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 Email us! [email protected] 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)