An Indonesian teenager has made it safely back to dry land after being adrift at sea in a wooden hut for a staggering 49 days. Aldi Novel Adiliang was rescued by a passing freighter after he was found adrift some 1,200 miles off the coast of North Sulawesi.
The hut he was stationed in broke free from its moorings during a storm and proceeded to carry him out to sea. He admitted crying frequently and being scared while adrift. It’s believed that more than 10 ships passed Aldi when he was adrift before he was found, but none of them saw him or stopped to pick him up.
Adilang, who’s believed to be 18 or 19 years old, survived by soaking his clothes in seawater then squeezing them out, and cooking fish caught from the ocean using parts of the wooden hut in order to create a fire.
Some say that the teenager’s experience in isolation at sea came in very handy during his 49-day ordeal. The floating hut, or rompong, that he was stationed on is usually moored some 80 miles off the Indonesian coast. His job was to light lamps at nightfall to lure fish into a trap. Adilang would do this job for up to six months at a time, with only a walkie-talkie and the odd weekly supply drop for human contact.
When the hut broke free of its moorings, Adilang did have a small supply of food with him, but it ran out after just a week. In addition, the only respite that he got from drinking seawater was the occasional rainfall.
After one month and 18 days of being adrift at sea, Adilang was rescued by the Arpeggio, a bulk carrier. He was already in the territorial waters of Guam at this point. He wasn’t actually spotted by members of the vessel’s crews – he successfully managed to alert them to his plight via his walkie-talkie. When aboard, he was promptly fed and given fresh clothes. The bulk carrier took him to Japan prior to him being reunited with his family in Indonesia.
What’s even more amazing about this story is that it marked the third time that Adilang’s hut had broken free of his moorings. He was lucky enough to have been rescued by his boss on the two previous occasions.
Perhaps sensibly, Adilang doesn’t appear to be returning to the rompong business any time soon – he decided that he doesn’t want to after his third time adrift in the space of two years. This means that there’s now a vacancy at his former employer, who operates about 50 rompongs off the coast. Contracts last six months, and the job pays $130 per month. Any takers?
Discover the Life of the Ocean's Most Cunning Creature
Discover the fascinating world of the octopus, and see for yourself exactly why scientists consider them to be one of the most intelligent creatures on Earth.
These Water Toys Are Unlike Anything I've Ever Seen Before
No trip to the beach or the lake would be complete without bringing out some awesome water toys, but we bet you've never seen any like these!
This Amazing Superyacht Design is Fit For a Bond Villain
Designer Timur Bozca call himself "limitless", and it's not hard to see why. The Black Swan is one of the most jaw-dropping superyacht designs ever seen.
Ocean-Big: Why Are Some Deep Sea Creatures So HUGE?
This video explores the unique environmental pressures and evolutionary advantages that lead to the extraordinary sizes of deep-sea dwellers.
I've Never Seen Waves Look So Majestic Before...
After a long ten years, Australian photographer Ray Collins has finally released his latest book entitled 'Water & Light'. Check it our here.
This is One of the Most Fascinating Natural Phenomenon
Get ready to meet a whole lot of grunion fish, who are most famous for their spectacular land mating ritual.
Beware of Ordering These (Potentially) Fake Foods
There are certain items on a restaurant's menu that should be considered with caution, and this is because they tend to be faked. Learn more here.
Wish Someone a Lovely Day With This Great Song...
This uplifting song is going to make anyone's day, guaranteed!
Museums Are Simply Treasure Troves - 16 Fascinating Photos
These incredibly cool and interesting exhibits prove what treasure troves museums are!
You'll Never Guess How These Optical Illusions Work
Here are three incredible optical illusion videos that have taken the internet by storm. Can you solve the mysteries that you're about to see?
The True Scale of These Things Will Really Surprise You!
Did you know that there are actually a lot of things in our world that are far bigger in reality than most people would expect. Here of 20 of them.
The 10 Most Powerful Regrets People Have at the End
What are the 10 biggest regrets people have at the end of their days? Find out the truth...
What People Need When the End Is Nigh: A Profound Talk
BJ Miller is a palliative care physician with some amazing insights. Discussing what happens to our thoughts as we pass away, he shares some profound thoughts.
8 Shocking Historical Discoveries of the Last 20 Years
Let’s take a look at some of the most shocking historical discoveries and findings made since 2001
14 Creepy Facts That Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine
These 14 surprising facts about the world may definitely send shivers down your spine, but they are still important to know and recognize!
This Beautiful Story has a Special Moral to Teach
This is a beautiful story of a woman who looks after four turtles. It has a wonderful moral at the end too. Enjoy!
Fascinating: The Historical Facts You Never Hear About!
I never knew this, but history was quite different than what I was told. So take a peek behind the curtain at the real face of history with some shocking and insightful facts of history.
30 Essential Medical Terms For Bodily Functions
The next time you hear a doctor utter something in Latin, pay close attention, as after reading this article, you may understand what it means.
Ten Reasons Why Japan's Schools Are Spectacular
How is it Japan is so special? Perhaps it is all down to their unique education system. Here are 10 amazing things about Japan's schools you never knew!
Love is Beautifully Captured in These Historic Photos...
While much has changed over the last century, there is one thing that has always remained the same, and that is love. Take a look at this photo collection.
10 Fascinating Facts About Mark Twain’s Life
Without a doubt, there are many things we can admire in Mark Twain & learn from his life. Here are 10 fascinating facts from his biography you likely didn’t know
Kyle the Goose Simply Refuses to Leave Her Savior's Side
Mike Jivanjee seems to have gotten more than he bargained for when he rescued Kyle, the Canadian goose, from drowning in Lake Oswego. Check out this cute video.
If You Like History You Will LOVE This Incredible Video!
Seeing history move right before our eyes teaches us so much about the last 2000 years!
Incredible Maps: The World of Second Languages!
We all know the main languages, but these maps of second languages really surprised me!
15 Unique and Powerful Armors Worn by Heroes and Warriors
Here’s a treat for history buffs! Check out the most amazing types of armor throughout history.
Icy Photos Prove That Winter Is Not for the Faint-Hearted
Here are 14 things that only occur in the winter. Check them out!
I Bet You Never Knew These U.S. Geography Facts...
Do you consider yourself to be a proud American who knows all there is to know about the good ol’ U.S. of A.? We bet you didn't know these facts!
Be Prepared! These Facts About the World Are Pretty Scary
These facts are incredibly fascinating... but they've got an element of spookiness to them too!
This Video is a Must for All History Buffs!
Seeing history move right before our eyes teaches us so much about the last 2000 years!
12 of the Most Fascinating Creatures in Norse Mythology
The world of Norse mythology is full of bizarre mythical creatures. Let’s take a look at the most fascinating ones.
8 Little-Known Wars Rarely Found in History Books
Today, let’s talk about some of the weirdest and little-known wars from history.
Decency Test: Would People Cheat a Blind Man Out of Money?
If a blind man came up to you and asked for your help with his winning lottery ticket, how would you react?
15 Amazing Facts That Knocked Me Over with a Feather
The world always fascinates me and everyday I learn something new. Here are 15 facts and stories to give your brain a real workout. Which of these tidbits blows your mind most?
20 Mind-Boggling Food Facts to Nourish the Mind
Here are 20 mind-boggling factoids about the foods we eat every day.
The Epic Battle of Stalingrad Comes to Life
One of the most epic battles in history, and the biggest of WWII comes to life and explored in this in-depth video.
These Ancient Stories Were Lost to the Sands of Time
Even some of the world's greatest stories can be forgotten due to the passage of time. After much digging, we rounded up 10 of the best. Read on!
Do You Remember the Moments That Defined the 1960s?
The 1960s were a hugely important decade, setting the tone for the next 50 years that succeeded then. Here are 10 of the things that defined the decade.
May 2024: Largest Ever Flood Hits Brazil
In southern Brazil, relentless rainfall has unleashed a catastrophic flood, claiming at least 83 lives and leaving over a hundred missing.
Hilarious: The Best Comebacks in History!
We often think that the art of insulting is mostly born of modern times. But we'd be mistaken...
20 Things Most People Think Are the Same, But Aren't!
These words are often mistaken for synonyms, but in reality they are nothing of the sort, because they refer to different things. Learn about 20 of them.,
Son of a Terrorist Speaks: Why I Choose Peace
The son of a famous terrorist, Zak Ebrahim's story is shocking and surprising.
How Companies Deceive Us All - 20 Pictures
As these 20 pictures prove, companies are constantly lying about the size and the quality of their products through deceptive packaging!
These Unique Maps Will Change Your Worldview
These maps show much more than just where a country is...
We Bet You Never Knew the Origins of These Common Idioms!
We bet you use the following 8 common idioms all the time, but have you ever stopped to take the time to think about where they came from?
These Wonderful Shots Are From Many Special Times Gone By
Nostalgia can be a beautiful thing, and these beautiful black and white images reinforce that notion. Jump back into the past with these shots.
7 Conspiracy Stories that Turned Out to be True
These stories are shocking... and they turned out to be true!
Hello, January: Inspiring Quotes to Greet the New Month
Let’s start the new year with these amusing and inspiring January quotes.