We're Not Afraid to Die... if We Can All Be Together

Gordon Cook, his wife Mary, children Jonathan and Suzanne, and crewmen Larry and Herb set out in Wavewalker to sail round the world following James Cook's route.

Gordon Cook, his wife Mary, children Jonathan and Suzanne, and crewmen Larry and Herb set out in Wavewalker to sail round the world following James Cook's route.

They had pleasant days in the Indian Ocean. On 2 January 1977 they faced gales and gigantic waves for weeks.

They had pleasant days in the Indian Ocean. On 2 January 1977 they faced gales and gigantic waves for weeks.

On 6 January a tremendous wave hit Wavewalker, throwing Cook overboard and smashing the stern. Water poured in; Suzanne was badly injured.

On 6 January a tremendous wave hit Wavewalker, throwing Cook overboard and smashing the stern. Water poured in; Suzanne was badly injured.

Cook clawed back on deck. Larry and Herb pumped water. Mary steered. Cook jury-rigged a pump and repaired the hull with canvas, nails, and glue.

Cook clawed back on deck. Larry and Herb pumped water. Mary steered. Cook jury-rigged a pump and repaired the hull with canvas, nails, and glue.

He calculated they could reach Ile Amsterdam if the pumps held. The children cheered him; Suzanne's swollen head did not dampen spirit.

He calculated they could reach Ile Amsterdam if the pumps held. The children cheered him; Suzanne's swollen head did not dampen spirit.

After 36 hours of pumping, they sighted the island. Islanders welcomed them. Jonathan said they were not afraid to die if they could all be together.

After 36 hours of pumping, they sighted the island. Islanders welcomed them. Jonathan said they were not afraid to die if they could all be together.