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The CRUX: True Survival Stories

Kaycee McIntosh, Julie Henningsen, Bleav
The CRUX: True Survival Stories
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  • Miracle in Miami Bay: The Survival of Calena Areyan Gruber | E 180
    In this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen unravel the harrowing tale of 7-year-old Calena Areyan Gruber, who miraculously survived a catastrophic accident during sailing camp in Biscayne Bay, Miami. The story highlights the resilience and incredible survival instincts of a child caught in an underwater disaster caused by a massive commercial barge. The episode also delves into the tragic loss of three other young sailors, the regulatory failures in maritime safety, and the urgent need for reform to prevent similar tragedies. The podcast underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the extraordinary capabilities of human survival, particularly in children. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Setting the Scene: A Tragic Day in Miami Bay 09:53 The Collision: A Catastrophic Event 12:34 Kalina's Extraordinary Survival 16:18 The Aftermath: Rescue and Recovery 24:23 Calls for Maritime Safety Reforms 28:46 Reflections on Youth Sailing Safety 31:23 Conclusion and Listener Engagement who miraculously survived a catastrophic accident during sailing camp in Biscayne Bay, Miami. The story highlights the resilience and incredible survival instincts of a child caught in an underwater disaster caused by a massive commercial barge. The episode also delves into the tragic loss of three other young sailors, the regulatory failures in maritime safety, and the urgent need for reform to prevent similar tragedies. The podcast underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the extraordinary capabilities of human survival, particularly in children. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Setting the Scene: A Tragic Day in Miami Bay 09:53 The Collision: A Catastrophic Event 12:34 Calena's Extraordinary Survival 16:18 The Aftermath: Rescue and Recovery 24:23 Calls for Maritime Safety Reforms 28:46 Reflections on Youth Sailing Safety 31:23 Conclusion and Listener Engagement Miami Bay Miracle Podcast - References and Sources Primary Incident Sources ABC News "2 children dead after barge strikes sailboat from youth sailing program: Officials" July 29, 2025 https://abcnews.go.com/US/miami-beach-sailboat-capsized-youth-sailing-program/story?id=124149834 CBS Miami "Two children dead after sailboat and barge collision off Miami Beach, officials say" August 5, 2025 https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/two-children-killed-sailboat-barge-collision-off-miami-beach/ CNN "Third girl dies after sailboat and barge collision in Miami" August 3, 2025 https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/03/us/miami-boat-accident-crash-death CBS Miami "Third girl dies after sailboat crash with barge near Miami Beach, family and officials confirm" August 4, 2025 https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/10-year-old-miami-beach-boat-crash-victim-ari-buchman-died/ Survivor and Family Information Fox Business "Miami sailboat crash survivor's family issues statement after deadly incident" August 2025 https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/miami-sailboat-crash-survivor-stared-death-face-lawyer-says NBC 6 South Florida "Parents of Calena Gruber, Miami sailing camp tragedy survivor, speak" August 2025 https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/family-of-7-year-old-miami-sailing-camp-tragedy-survivor-speaks/3672444/ PEOPLE Magazine "Family of 7-Year-Old Girl Who Survived Miami Boat Crash That Killed 3 Say It's a 'Miracle She's Alive'" August 2025 https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/family-7-old-girl-survived-100808752.html Miami Herald via Sun Sentinel "'It's a miracle she's alive.' Girl injured in boat crash was trapped under barge" August 4, 2025 https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/08/04/girl-seriously-injured-after-biscayne-bay-barge-sailboat-crash-recovering-family-says/ Legal and Investigation Coverage WLRN "Attorney for survivor of deadly sailboat crash calls tragedy 'preventable'" August 5, 2025 https://www.wlrn.org/law-justice/2025-08-04/attorney-for-survivor-of-deadly-sailboat-crash-calls-tragedy-preventable Local 10 WPLG "Lawsuit IDs owner of barge in deadly Biscayne Bay crash with youth sailing camp boat" August 8, 2025 https://www.local10.com/news/local/2025/08/08/lawsuit-ids-owner-of-barge-in-deadly-biscayne-bay-crash-with-youth-sailing-camp-boat/ Leesfield & Partners "Leesfield & Partners Representing Family of Girl, 7, Injured in Miami Beach Deadly Sailboat Crash" August 5, 2025 https://www.floridainjurylawyer-blawg.com/leesfield-partners-representing-family-of-girl-7-injured-in-miami-beach-deadly-sailboat-crash/ Boating Safety Statistics U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety "2023 Recreational Boating Statistics" 2024 https://www.uscgboating.org/library/accident-statistics/Recreational-Boating-Statistics-2023-Ch2.pdf American Boating Association "Boating Fatality Facts" May 30, 2025 https://americanboating.org/boating_fatality.asp Children's Safety Network "Boating Safety" https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/infographics/boating-safety Child Drowning and Near-Drowning Research Children's Safety Network "The Facts On Childhood Drowning" https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/infographics/facts-childhood-drowning American Red Cross "Drowning Prevention & Facts" https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/drowning-prevention-and-facts.html Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine "Neurologic long term outcome after drowning in children" August 15, 2012 https://sjtrem.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1757-7241-20-55 NeuroLaunch "Near-Drowning's Psychological Impact: Long-Term Effects and Recovery" September 15, 2024 https://neurolaunch.com/psychological-effects-of-near-drowning/ Maritime Safety and Regulation Information NOAA Fisheries "Understanding Vessel Strikes" https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/understanding-vessel-strikes Frontiers in Marine Science "A Global Review of Vessel Collisions With Marine Animals" April 14, 2020 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.00292/full Witness Accounts and Community Response Sailing Anarchy Forums "Two children dead after barge hits sailboat in Biscayne Bay" July 28, 2025 https://forums.sailinganarchy.com/threads/two-children-dead-after-barge-hits-sailboat-in-biscayne-bay.252661/ WLRN "Sailboat crash victims ages 7 and 13, says Coast Guard. Two other kids in critical condition" July 29, 2025 https://www.wlrn.org/south-florida/2025-07-29/biscayne-bay-sailboat-crash-victims-ages-7-and-13-two-other-kids-hospitalized-in-critical-condition Key Facts Confirmed by Multiple Sources: Incident Details: Date: July 28, 2025 Time: Approximately 11:15 AM Location: Between Hibiscus Island and Monument Island, Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach Victims: 6 total (5 children ages 7-13, 1 adult counselor age 19) Casualties: Deceased: Mila Yankelevich (7), Erin Ko Han (13), Arielle Buchman (10 - died August 4) Survivors: Calena Areyan Gruber (7), one unnamed child, adult counselor (19) Survivor Information: Calena Areyan Gruber from Seattle Parents: Karina Gruber Moreno and Enrique Areyan Viqueira Attorney: Justin B. Shapiro, Leesfield & Partners Released from Jackson Memorial Hospital: August 1, 2025 Injuries: Lacerations and contusions throughout body Trapped under 60-foot barge before swimming to safety Legal/Investigation: Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission investigating Barge owned by Waterfront Construction (Jorge Rivas) Tugboat under 26 feet (no licensed captain required) Multiple lawsuits filed alleging negligence
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  • Alligator Attack Victim Endures 3 Days in Florida Wetlands | E 179
    This episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosted by Kaycee McIntosh, recounts the harrowing tale of Eric Murda, a 43-year-old irrigation contractor from Sarasota. On July 17, 2022, Eric’s routine day turned into a nightmare when a seven-foot alligator attacked him while he swam across Lake Manatee in Florida. The attack resulted in Eric losing his arm, leading to a grueling 72-hour survival ordeal in the harsh Florida swamp. He faced severe blood loss, venomous snakes, disease-carrying water, and other predators. Despite being disoriented and gravely injured, Eric's mental resilience and instinctive survival skills allowed him to navigate through dense vegetation, signal for help, and eventually find rescue. His story underscores the importance of preparation, mental fortitude, and situational awareness in wilderness survival. The episode also touches on winter travel preparation and survival strategies, reflecting on another tragic survival story and discussing improvements in search and rescue protocols. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:49 Setting the Scene: A Deadly Encounter 02:07 Eric Murda's Fateful Decision 04:36 The Alligator Attack 08:29 Surviving the Swamp 19:20 The Psychological Battle 21:56 Lessons in Wilderness Survival 24:42 Necrotizing Fasciitis and Waterborne Pathogens 25:06 Venomous Snakes: A Deadly Threat 26:37 Survival Skills: Plant Identification and Shelter 28:39 Eric's Final Push to Civilization 30:07 Medical Challenges and Psychological Transformation 31:31 Lessons from Eric's Ordeal 33:05 Eric's New Role as a Motivational Speaker 34:22 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement
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  • Pacific Northwest Survival Games: Survival Skills Competition Turned Reality TV Show | E 178
    Join Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen on The Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they dive into the extraordinary journey of Tony Peniche, Founder of the Pacific Northwest Survival Games. Discover how a backyard BBQ among friends evolved into a viral survival competition, attracting contestants and survival celebrities from popular TV shows. Tony shares his transition from a serial entrepreneur to a key figure in the survival community, the challenges and excitement of organizing survival events, and the importance of problem-solving and realistic survival training. This episode is packed with thrilling tales, insights into survival skills, and the spirit of camaraderie and competition. 00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:30 Meet Tony Panish: Founder of the Pacific Northwest Survival Games 01:42 The Accidental Viral Event 03:57 From Marketing Consultant to Survival Event Creator 05:12 Personal Journey: Sobriety and New Beginnings 06:33 Inspiration from Family and Community 08:58 The Power of Seizing Opportunities 09:37 Connecting with the Survival Community 10:38 What Makes the Pacific Northwest Survival Games Unique? 15:08 Challenges and Competitions: Testing Real-World Skills 23:37 Transformations in Confidence and Skills 23:54 A Memorable Example: Joel's Journey 25:37 The Importance of Problem Solving in Survival 26:36 Essential Survival Gear 27:11 The Role of Signaling Devices 28:37 Logistical Challenges of Survival Events 29:21 Expanding Survival Games: Future Plans 32:34 Memorable Moments from Past Events 35:25 Casting and Celebrity Involvement 41:26 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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  • Bear Mauls Alaskan Hiker, Rescued thanks to a Drone | E 177
    In this episode, we dive into a harrowing story of a bear attack on a popular hiking trail in Anchorage, Alaska, involving a 67-year-old woman. She is attacked and dragged into the dense wilderness but manages to call 911. With her life hanging in the balance, cutting-edge drone technology is deployed to find her. We explore the specifics of the rescue operation, the capabilities of search and rescue drones, and how modern technology is revolutionizing wilderness rescues. The episode also highlights the importance of preparation, the effectiveness of bear spray, and survival tips for anyone finding themselves in similar situations. Join us as we unravel this remarkable story of survival and technological innovation in the wilderness. 00:00 A Peaceful Hike Turns Deadly 00:19 The Terrifying Bear Encounter 01:06 The Aftermath and Rescue 01:45 Julie’s Alaska Experience 04:10 The Dome Trail Description 08:11 The Bear Attack Details 15:54 The Rescue Operation 20:13 The Role of Technology in Rescue 25:11 The Search for the Bear 26:59 The Importance of Public Safety on Popular Trails 28:22 The Role of Technology in Modern Search and Rescue 29:07 The Evolution and Accessibility of Drone Technology 30:05 The Future of Search and Rescue Operations 35:47 Bear Spray vs. Firearms: Effectiveness in Bear Encounters 37:14 The Psychological Impact of Bear Attacks 38:19 Balancing Public Access and Wildlife Protection 39:48 Surviving Bear Attacks: Tips and Strategies 42:55 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice   Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Primary News Sources - Alaska Bear Attack Anchorage Daily News - Hiker mauled by brown bear in Anchorage's popular Basher Trail area Alaska's News Source - Bear mauling sparks large rescue response near Anchorage trailhead Fox News - Alaska hiker mauled by bear rescued with help of advanced drone technology on remote trail Alaska Public Media - Brown bear mauls hiker on Dome Trail in Anchorage Search and Rescue Drone Technology DJI Enterprise - Search and Rescue Solutions UAV Coach - Search and Rescue Drones: An In-Depth Guide IEEE Public Safety Technology - How Drones Are Revolutionizing Search and Rescue DHS Science and Technology - First Responders Assess Drones for Search and Rescue Missions Professional SAR Organizations DRONERESPONDERS - Global network of drones in public safety National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) Search Investigations - Thermal Drone Services Training and Certification DARTdrones - Search and Rescue Drone Training Course Drone Pilot Ground School - Public COA vs. Part 107 Certification Technical Resources Alaska DOT - Public Safety Drone Playbook DJI Enterprise Study - Drone Efficacy in Search and Rescue Scientific American - How Drones Are Revolutionizing Search and Rescue Wilderness Safety Resources Washington Trails Association - A hiker's guide to drones and unmanned aircraft systems US Forest Service - Recreational Drone Tips Outside Magazine - Why Drones Are the Future of Outdoor Search and Rescue Academic and Research Sources PubMed - Using an Unmanned Aircraft System (Drone) to Conduct a Complex High Altitude Search and Rescue Operation: A Case Study Virginia Tech - Making search and rescue drone swarms a reality Science Robotics - An autonomous drone for search and rescue in forests using airborne optical sectioning
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  • Deserted Island Survival: 6 Teens Defied Odds for 15 Months | E 176
    In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the astonishing real-life story of six teenage boys from Tonga who were stranded on a deserted island for 15 months in 1965. Contrary to the dark narrative of 'Lord of the Flies,' these boys formed a harmonious and organized mini-society, showcasing the best of human nature under harrowing conditions. The hosts dive deep into the boys' journey from near-death encounters and sheer survival to their eventual rescue by an Australian sea captain. Join us for this heartwarming tale of ingenuity, camaraderie, and the indomitable human spirit. 00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:28 Introducing the Real-Life 'Lord of the Flies' 01:22 The Boys' Bold Plan to Sail to Fiji 06:44 Disaster Strikes: The Storm and Shipwreck 10:32 Surviving on Ata Island 13:07 Creating a New Society 16:25 The Boys' Ingenious Solutions 19:14 Losing Hope and the Community's Desperation 20:40 A Miraculous Survival 22:27 The Rescue by Peter Warner 28:19 The Boys' Homecoming 31:22 Life After the Island 34:06 The Story Goes Viral 39:45 Lessons from the Castaways 40:51 Closing Remarks and Call to Action Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT1C4BSRzak https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHO_RlJxnVI Wikipedia: "Tongan castaways" VICE: "I Spent 15 Months Shipwrecked on an Uninhabited Island" CBS News: "A real life Lord of the Flies: The 50-year-old story of a group of teens stranded on an island" My Modern Met: "In 1965, Six Boys Were Stranded on a Deserted Island for 15 Months—and They All Survived" RNZ: "The true story of six Tongan teenage castaways in 1965" The Guardian (Rutger Bregman): "The 'real Lord of the Flies': a survivor's story of shipwreck and salvation" Wikipedia: "Peter Warner" Matangi Tonga: "'Ata and its archaeology" Existing Films and Media "The Castaways" (1966) A Channel 7 television documentary/reenactment was filmed in October 1966, just after the boys were rescued. Peter Warner arranged with Channel 7 in Sydney to film their story and used £150 (USD $203) from the sale of the rights to compensate the stolen boat's owner. The Channel 7 television crew sailed with Warner and the boys back to ʻAta to film a re-enactment of their story, which was broadcast in October 1966. WikipediaDocastaway One 16mm film copy of the 1966 documentary survives today and is available on YouTube. The Six Tongan Castaways of Ata Island | The Real Lord of the Flies Documentary by Álvaro Cerezo (2020) In 2015, Spanish explorer Álvaro Cerezo spent 10 days on ʻAta island with Kolo Fekitoa, one of the castaways (by then in his mid-60s). The two men lived there alone and survived on coconuts, fish, and seabirds, exactly as the boys did back in 1965. In summer 2020, Cerezo released a documentary of his experience with Kolo and a book detailing the 15-month ordeal of the castaways. The Six Tongan Castaways of Ata Island | The Real Lord of the Flies CBS 60 Minutes Feature (2021) CBS News produced a detailed segment about the story for 60 Minutes, featuring interviews with survivors Mano Totau and Sione Fataua, as well as Peter Warner. Wikipedia: "Tongan castaways" VICE: "I Spent 15 Months Shipwrecked on an Uninhabited Island" CBS News: "A real life Lord of the Flies: The 50-year-old story of a group of teens stranded on an island" My Modern Met: "In 1965, Six Boys Were Stranded on a Deserted Island for 15 Months—and They All Survived" RNZ: "The true story of six Tongan teenage castaways in 1965" The Guardian (Rutger Bregman): "The 'real Lord of the Flies': a survivor's story of shipwreck and salvation" Wikipedia: "Peter Warner" Matangi Tonga: "'Ata and its archaeology"
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About The CRUX: True Survival Stories

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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