← Against The Odds
Loading summary
Transcript35 lines
- [00:00]
Cassie DePeckel
Wondery subscribers can listen to against the Odds early and ad free right now.
- [00:05]
Michael O'Mahoney
Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. A listener Note against the Odds uses dramatizations that are based on true events. Some elements, including dialogue, may be invented, but everything is based on research. Wondering Michael o' Mahoney slides a fresh diaper under his three month old daughter, Meggie, as she fusses on the bed of their cabin aboard the cruise ship Oceanos. He plants his feet wide to stay steady as another wave slams into the hull. He hums softly to soothe Meggie, working by the dim glow of the emergency lights on the other twin bed, his four year old son, Liam, stirs. A little while ago, the ship took a hard hit and the main power went out. Michael still doesn't know why, but luckily he's changed enough diapers to do it blindfolded. There we go, sweetheart. All done. It's almost 10pm on Saturday, August 3, 1991. Michael and his family are five hours into an overnight cruise up the eastern coast of South Africa. The brutal storm that delayed their departure hasn't eased. If anything, it's gotten worse. Waves are 40ft high. Michael now understands why this stretch of coastline is called the Wild Coast. He lowers Meggy into her crib, then straightens up and exhales. The cabin is quiet. Too quiet. That's when he notices what's missing. The steady thrum of the ship's engines. They've stopped. He wonders if maybe the storm has forced the captain to turn around and head back to the port. They left just hours, but then why would the lights go out and the engines. He taps on the bathroom door. From the other side, he hears his wife, Yvette, moaning. This is Michael's first time on a cruise ship and thankfully he's not prone to seasickness. Yvette, though, hasn't been so lucky. She's been in the bathroom for over an hour. Hey honey, how are you doing in there? She answers with another moan. He shakes his head. This was supposed to be a quick little family getaway. Hopefully her nausea will pass soon and they can all finally get some sleep. Suddenly the silence is broken by three urgent knocks on the cabin door. Michael flinches, then dashes to open the door, but it's too late. Meggie is awake again, crying. He curses under his breath and opens the door. A woman, one of the staff, is standing there out of breath. Sir, I don't want to alarm you, but we're asking everyone to put on life jackets and go up to the lounge. Michael stares at her, then steps into the hallway, pulling the door shut behind him. Is this some kind of drill? My wife's sick and my kids are trying to sleep. She hesitates. No. I don't know. It's a precaution. Your life jackets are in the bottom of your closet. Leave your personal belongings. Please hurry. Before he can ask anything else, she's already moved on. Knocking at the next door. Michael steps back inside the cabin, unsettled. Was that woman serious? Another wave slams into the hall so hard he has to grab the wall to steady himself. Better safe than sorry. He'll round up the family and head upstairs. Stairs. Hopefully this won't take long and they'll be back in bed soon. After all, There are over 500 people on this ship. There's no way it could actually be in danger. Cruise ships don't sink, not in this day and age.
- [04:06]
Moss Hills
Let's face it, when a new season rolls around, everyone gets that itch to freshen up their wardrobe. But who wants to throw money away on trendy pieces that'll be out of style before summer hits? That's what makes Quince different. Their clothes are the kind you reach for again and again. Classic styles that look expensive but don't break the bank. Like 100% European linen shorts and dresses from $30 Luxe Swimwear, Italian leather platform sandals, and so much more. And everything with Quint's is half the cost of similar brands. By working directly with top artisans and cutting out the middleman, Quintz gives you luxury without the markup. I love the featherless, quilted long puffer.
- [04:42]
Michael O'Mahoney
Jacket I got from Quint's.
- [04:43]
Moss Hills
It's super lightweight and is such high quality for the price. Give your summer closet an upgrade with quince. Go to quince.com theodds for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com theodds to get free shipping and 365 day returns quince.com theodds Here's.
- [05:06]
Cassie DePeckel
A tip for growing your business get the VentureX business card from Capital One and start earning unlimited double miles on every purchase. That's right, with unlimited double miles, the more your business spends, the more miles you earn. Plus, the VentureX business card has no preset spending limit, so your purchasing power can adapt to meet your business needs. The VentureX business card also includes access to over a thousand airport lounges. Just imagine where the VentureX business card from Capital One can Take your business Capital One. What's in your wallet? Terms and conditions apply. Find out more@capital1.com venturexbusiness.
- [05:50]
Michael O'Mahoney
From Wondery I'm Cassie Depechel and this is against the Odds. They call it the Wild coast, a remote 175 mile stretch of shoreline along South Africa's Eastern Cape. Fierce storms are so common it's earned a grim reputation as a graveyard for ships. Some even call it South Africa's own Bermuda Triangle. It was here on August 3, 1991 that the Greek cruise ship Oceanos set sail from the harbor of East London despite a massive storm barreling up the coast. On board were 571 passengers and crew headed for Durban on an overnight voyage. But from the very start, things got rough. Hurricane force winds whipped up towering waves and seasickness swept through the 500 foot long ship. And then disaster struck. A catastrophic failure in the generator room knocked out power and even worse, Oceanos began taking on water. But the greatest failure wasn't mechanical. It was human. After word of flooding reached the bridge, the ship's senior officers offered no updates and no leadership. With no help in sight, a small group of unlikely heroes stepped up. The entertainers in the heart of a violent storm. With the clock ticking, they led a desperate evacuation to save as many lives as they could before the ships slipped beneath the sea. Their story is like so many others you hear on against the Odds, ordinary people facing nature's most extreme challenges. No matter where you are, the unexpected can strike at any moment. That's why we are so excited to launch our against the Odds book, how to Survive against the Tales and Tips for Animal Attacks and Natural Disasters now available for pre order in this survival guidebook, we'll go inside the stories of everyday people confronted by life or death situations, showing you how they survived and how you can too. This is the only book of its kind where you'll also hear from the experts, including top doctors and psychologists, explaining what happens to your mind and body in life threatening situations. Plus get important tips on how to mentally and physically persevere when faced with a situation that is truly against the odds. This book teaches you what to do and importantly, what not to do when faced with your own survival scenario. Go to survivalguidebook.com to pre order today or click the book link in the Episode Description this is Episode one, Just a Precaution. Michael o' Mahoney grips his armrest as the plane dips sharply, jostled by turbulence at 25,000ft. He works in airline operations, overseeing departures for South African Airways, so flying is second nature. Still, this feels more like a roller coaster than a jet. It's mid morning on Saturday, August 3, 1991. They're flying south from Durban, where they live, to the port city of East London. Michael glances at his wife Yvette by the window. She's cradling their three month old daughter Meggie against her chest. He offers her a reassuring smile. Between them, four year old Liam giggles in delight. At least one of us is enjoying this, Michael thinks. The pilot's voice comes through the intercom. Ladies and gentlemen, as I'm sure you're aware, we're experiencing some turbulence. Please buckle up and stay seated for the remainder of the flight. We'll have you safely on the ground in about 30 minutes. In the meantime, just close your eyes and picture a sunny day at the beach. Michael smiles to himself. He's imagining something better. The cruise ship. They'll be boarding later today. A few weeks ago, a colleague handed him a brochure from TFC Tours pointing out a great deal for airline employees. An overnight cruise from East London to Durban. And since Michael works for South African Airways, he and his family could fly there for free. He didn't need much convincing. After months of long nights with a newborn, both he and Yvette were going stir crazy. Even with the kids in tow, it felt like a chance to breathe, or at least a change of scenery. Their friends Neil and Robin Shaw also decided to go along with their young daughter. It will be a short trip, but Michael is looking forward to a good dinner, a couple of drinks in the lounge and a quiet night to unwind. He looks across the aisle at Neil. I promise you, Neil, this is going to be amazing. Neil takes a sip of his whiskey and Coke. Oh, I know. I just need a little liquid courage. Michael laughs. A cocktail isn't a bad idea. After all, their mini vacation has officially begun. Deborah Lariche leans into the wind as she walks along the rain slicked pier toward Oceanos, docked in the harbor of East London. She grips her overnight bag in one hand and with the other holds tight to her 8 year old son Raymond. Just behind them, her husband Renee keeps a firm grip on their five year old daughter, Megan. It's Saturday afternoon, August 3rd, 1991. The gangplank leading to the ship is long and slippery. Deborah eyes it cautiously. The last thing she wants is one of the kids taking a fall. She pauses, glancing over the railing into the murky water below. Even here inside the sheltered harbor, the sea churns like a frothy cauldron. From behind, she hears Renee's voice. Good Lord, this is a rusty tub. Deborah bites her tongue. Sure, the ship could use a fresh coat of paint. But she's still happy to be here, even if Renee hasn't exactly been thrilled about the idea. They live three hours south in Port Elizabeth, where Deborah works as a travel agent. When she was offered a discounted overnight cruise to Durban, she jumped at the chance. Deborah and the kids were all in. Renee, not so much. She told him it would be the experience of a lifetime. Eventually, he came around. As they climb the gangplank, Deborah spots a small door built into the hall just above the waterline and can't resist. That's my escape route. When the ship capsizes, Renee chuckles. Once they step aboard, they're finally out of the rain. A crew member passes by with a tray and offers them mini pizzas. Deborah hopes the weather will calm down. At check in, they were told the ship's departure was delayed and that there was still a chance they might not sail at all. The captain will make a decision later today, the staff said. After the long drive this morning, she doesn't mind the downtime. It's a chance to relax. Still, she'd hate to turn around after coming all this way. Though Renee probably wouldn't mind. Lorraine Betts scans her team gathered upstairs on the Oceanos. Musicians, dancers, comedians, magicians. Everyone looks wiped out. I know you're all exhausted, but remember we've got a job to do. At 35, Lorraine is the cruise director for TFC Tours, a Johannesburg based company. The Oceanos may be a Greek ship and for the past eight months it's been chartered to tfc. She manages all the entertainers, plus a few admin staff and oversees the entire passenger experience from end to end. This voyage is special. Her 87 year old grandmother is on board with her. She runs a hand through her dark wavy hair. She's just as tired as the rest of them. The past 48 hours have been a whirlwind. They hosted a massive wedding party on board. The father of the bride, wealthy beyond belief, paid for all the passengers to stay in a hotel in East London for two nights just so the wedding party could have the ship to themselves. But even all his money couldn't buy good weather. Now the original passengers have reboarded along with about 100 new guests, including many from the travel industry who snagged a deal for their one night trip to Durban. Since East London isn't a regular cruise stop, TFC was looking to fill unsold cabins and saw inviting travel agents as a smart way to generate buzz about the cruise industry. The energy is picking up again, and so are the complaints. Lorraine's already had to track down the chief engineer about a sewage smell on the lower decks. Fix it, she told him. One of her staff speaks up. Do you think we're actually leaving in this storm? Lorraine checks her watch. 4:45pm Departure was scheduled for 3. The harbor was closed earlier in the day but has since reopened and now it's up to each ship's captain to decide whether to sail. She glances out the window. The sea is restless. White caps churn in every direction. She watches as a lone tugboat is swallowed by a massive wave, then bobs back up moments later. Suddenly, the engines rumble to life and the captain's voice crackles over the pa. Attention passengers. Weather conditions further out to sea along our course are improving. Prepare for departure. Lorraine looks outside again. As far as she can see, the storm still looks brutal. But she's not nervous. She's been through worse and it's a short trip, just 280 miles up the coast to Durban. After they arrive there tomorrow, the plan is to depart for Madagascar later the same day. The captain probably wants to avoid throwing off the schedule. She's only met Captain Giannis Avranis once. He's Greek like most of the crew and looks to be around 50. She'll never forget their introduction. She called him Captain and with no trace of irony he replied, if you want to talk to me, you address me as God. He's arrogant, no doubt, but he has 30 years of experience at sea. She'll trust him to do his job while she gets on with hers. It's time to get the party started. Moss Hills strums his guitar as the low hum of the ship's engines vibrates up through his shoes. The 35 year old musician still gets a familiar surge of excitement every time the ship pulls away from the port. From his spot on the lounge stage, he glances over his shoulder and grins at his wife Tracy, who's tuning her bass guitar. Moss steps to the mite, steadying himself as the ship sways beneath his feet. Welcome back to all our returning passengers. And a special welcome to those just joining us. I'm Mas and this is my bandmate and wife, Tracy. We'll bring the rock and the ship will bring the roll. The crowd laughs and Moss and Tracy launch into their first song. Almost instantly, the room joins in, singing and swaying. Moss can't help but smile. His joke was spot on. The ship's motion has turned every standing passenger into part of an unintentional synchronized dance. The Sail Away party is the highlight of every departure. Meant to kick off the voyage with music, laughter and open skies. It's usually held out on deck, but not tonight. Not in these conditions. The ship is already rolling hard as it pushes out of East London harbor. Waves are crashing onto the deck more than 30ft above the waterline. Moss has never seen anything like it. For the past two months, the Oceanos has been home to Moss and Tracy and will be for the next five. It's a dream gig, playing the songs they love while traveling the world together. Their 15 year old daughter, Amber had just joined them during school holidays. She's back in class now, but they'll see her tomorrow in Durban where they normally live. The drinks are flowing fast and easy and spirits are high. For many, this is a one night escape that ends tomorrow in Durban. There's a certain urgency in the air, a need to make the most of every moment. But as the Oceanos pushes farther out to sea, the Stranger the storm is getting worse. Passengers start losing their balance. The conga line, which started strong, becomes almost slapstick. People are toppling over chairs, laughing as they fall. Watch out. Suddenly the white grand piano breaks free, sliding across the stage like a runaway train and slams into the drum kit. Moss freezes and locks eyes with Tracy. This is way more roll than he bargained for and it sure as hell isn't safe. He turns back to the crowd. Okay folks, we're going to take a break. We'll be back later tonight with more tunes. He snaps his head toward the window. The awning over the pool deck rips free and vanishes into the storm. Moss exhales, grateful no one's out there. This isn't just rough weather. This is a killer storm.
- [19:32]
Moss Hills
In today's job market, finding the right talent can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Slow, frustrating and often exhausting.
- [19:41]
Michael O'Mahoney
But there's a better way.
- [19:42]
Moss Hills
Indeed. When it comes to hiring, Indeed is all you need. With Indeed Sponsored Jobs listings jump to the front of the line, right where ideal candidates are looking. And it works. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs get 45% more applications than regular posts. And here's something remarkable. In the time it took to share this information, about 23 people just got hired through Indeed.
- [20:06]
Michael O'Mahoney
The best part with Sponsored Jobs, there.
- [20:08]
Moss Hills
Are no monthly fees or long term contracts. You only pay for results. And listeners of the show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com theodds just go to Indeed.com theodds right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Indeed.comtheodds Terms and conditions apply. Need to hire you need Indeed Today.
- [20:33]
Michael O'Mahoney
Is the worst day of Abby's life. The 17 year old cradles her newborn son in her arms. They all saw how much I loved him. They didn't have to take him from me. Between 1945 and in the early 1970s, families shipped their pregnant teenage daughters to maternity homes and forced them to secretly place their babies for adoption in hidden corners across America. It's still happening. My parents had me locked up in the godparent home against my will. They worked with them to manipulate me and to steal my son away from me. The godparent home is the brainchild of controversial preacher Jerry Falwell, the father of the modern evangelical right and the founder of Liberty University, where powerful men, emboldened by their faith determine who gets to be a parent and who must give their child away. Follow Liberty Lost on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. Panayotes Finas makes his way down the staircase to the lowest level of the ship, gripping the railing as the Oceanos rolls and pitches beneath him. Finas is the chief engineer and he has a problem to deal with. Passengers in the lower level cabins have been complaining about a sewage smell. The cruise director insisted he fix it right away. With each step down, the stench grows stronger. Fines has a pretty good idea what the problem is, and if he's right, it's not a small one. Oceanos is 40 years old and for most of its life it wasn't a cruise ship at all. It was built in France in the 1950s and started out as a cargo vessel. For decades it hauled freight across the sea. Then about 10 years ago, a Greek cruise company bought it and began converting it for passengers, adding decks, cabins and lounges. But upgrading the plumbing for more than 500 people, that was a different story. Finas isn't the least bit surprised. The plumbing is failing. When he reaches the generator room deep in the bottom level of the ship, he and a few other crew members inspect the sewage tank. It doesn't take long to confirm what he suspected. The venting pipe, meant to clear noxious gases is completely clogged. That's why the stench is backing up into the lower cabins. There's only one fix. The pipe has to be removed, but it won't be easy. The 12 foot long steel pipe runs through a watertight bulkhead into the generator room, where it connects to the sewage tank and the flanges holding it in place are badly corroded. It's going to be a tough job, and a disgusting one. Michael o' Mahony lifts his beer to his lips just as the ship gets pounded by another monster wave. He braces himself with one hand on the bar, but it's too late. Half the beer sloshes over the rim and down the front of his shirt. He can't help but laugh. This quick family getaway has been rough from the start. First the roller coaster of the flight and now this rollercoaster of a boat ride. His wife, Yvette, is so seasick she's resting in their cabin with the kids. Michael shakes his head, still grinning. The mention of dinner reminds him he's starving. He hasn't eaten since they left Durban that morning. He checks his watch. Just after 7pm let's go to the early seating. There are two dinner seatings each night, one at 7 and the other at 8:30. Neil nods and they finish off their beers. Then they start weaving their way through the bar, navigating between chairs and low tables as the ship rocks beneath them. They pass through the casino just in time to see stacks of chips flying off the tables, scattering like confetti. Then they go down the stairs to the dining room. The ship lurches just as they push through the doors. Inside, it's chaos. A woman shrieks as her dinner lands in her lap. Wine glasses tip and shatter on the floor. Michael spots a waiter crouched over a pile of dropped plates, scrambling to collect them before the next wave hits. He turns to Neil. Quick, let's find a table before we fall over one. Fortunately, the dining room is less than half. Seasickness has clearly kept many people in their cabins. Michael's not the only one flying solo tonight. Neil's wife, Robin, is also back in their room with their daughter. Once they're seated, a waiter stops by with a spray bottle and gives the tablecloth a light mist. It's to keep plates and glasses from sliding around. Right on cue, a plate from the next table crashes to the floor. Everyone bursts out laughing, except the waiter, who has to clean it up. But among the passengers, the mood is surprisingly upbeat. Laughter ripples through the room. Still, as much as Michael enjoys the absurdity of it all, he eats quickly. He's eager to get back to the cabin to check on Yvette and the kids. Panayotes, pines Reaches into his pocket, pulls out a hand towel and presses it against his nose. The stench down here in the generator room has grown beyond foul. It's just after 9pm and after hours of grueling work, the chief engineer and his team have finally managed to unseal the venting pipe from the watertight bulkhead. It took serious muscle. Every man had to strain to loosen it from the corroded flanges holding it in place. Now they're close. The blockage is almost cleared. Hurry up. They still need to reattach the pipe and Fines is hoping to catch the tail end of dinner before the kitchen shuts down. But it's slow, tricky work, especially in this hot, cramped space. The ship is rolling and the stench in the air is thick. Some of his men are starting to look queasy. Suddenly a massive wave slams into ship's the port side. Even down here in the belly of the vessel, the impact is violent. A few men are knocked off their feet, landing hard on the slick, sewage covered floor. Finas almost goes down too, but steadies himself just in time. Then it happens. A deafening sound of tearing metal. Fines spins around and can hardly believe what he sees. The sea chest, a large steel box that draws seawater to cool the engines, is peeling away from the hull. It's supposed to be welded firmly in place, but now it's coming loose. Water is gushing in through a hole in the side of the ship. This can't be happening. His crew drops the pipe and rushes toward the breach. Finas follows, slicing his hand on a jagged edge as they throw their weight against the sea chest, trying to hold it back. But it's no use. The pressure is too great. Finas looks down. Water is already up to his ankles. He backs away and splashes into the adjoining engine room. He grabs the rag he'd been using to block the stench and wraps it around his bleeding hand. Then he grabs the phone and calls the bridge. Alert the captain. There's water pouring into the generator room. The generators are about to short out. We need to shut them down immediately. There's a pause, then the first mate speaks. So stop the leak. You're an engineer, aren't you? Fines clenches his jaw. You don't understand. The sea chest ripped off the hull. There's water everywhere. He looks back into the generator room. Water is now flooding over the 3 threshold into the engine room. A chill runs through him. This isn't just a leak. It's the beginning of the end. He slams the phone down and turns to his crew shut down the generators and get the hell out of there. Seal the compartment. They scramble into action and power down the generators. Then one by one, they bolt out, cranking the heavy watertight doors closed behind them. Venus doesn't wait. He turns and runs for the stairs. He needs to get to the bridge to speak to the captain because the Oceanos is sinking. Moss Hills staggers down the stairwell, gripping the railing as the ship lurches beneath him. Outside, the storm is raging harder than ever and the Oceanos is pitching violently with every swell. After two months at sea, Moss Moss thought he had his sea legs, but nothing could have prepared him for this earlier. After the sail away party, he and Tracy managed to grab a quick dinner. It felt like something out of a Mel Brooks movie plates sliding across tables, chairs tipping. Normally they'd be performing through both dinner seatings, but with the ship taking such a pounding, his boss Lorraine postponed their set until after the main show scheduled for 10pm Tracy headed back to the cabin to rest. They both barely slept since the all night wedding party the night before. But after what happened with the piano crashing, Moss decided to go to the lounge to secure their instruments. He fastened the guitars and tied down the speakers with nylon cord. Good thing too. He finished just in time, moments before the ship took another massive hit that sent tables and chairs skidding across the floor. Now Moss is heading back to the cabin to check on Tracy. They're supposed to go back on stage at 11, though at this point he's not even sure the show will happen. As he reaches their deck, he hears shouting and stops in his tracks. Several crew members come racing up the stairwell from below, soaking wet and smeared with oil. They're shouting and clearly panicked. What's going on? No one answers. They blow past him and disappear down the corridor. Moss hurries into his cabin. Tracy is crouched on the floor, cleaning up a mess. The place is in shambles. Their three heavy steel trunks have tumbled across the room and now lean against the far wall. Clothes, books, photo albums, everything is scattered over the roar of the sea outside. Moss tells her what he just saw. Whatever the problem was, it seems serious. Suddenly a heavy thud echoes from deep within the ship, followed by darkness. Everything goes black. A few moments later, the emergency lights flicker on, bathing the room in a dim amber glow. Tracy blinks, then pivots, her professional instincts kicking in. Oh no. How are we supposed to play without any power? Moss cracks a half hearted grin. We could do an all acoustic set. He knows Robin Bultman, tonight's mc, will probably need help getting the show started. In the dark they gather their things and head upstairs to the lounge. Even now, the show must go on. Panayotas. Finas tightens the rag around his bleeding hand as he takes the stairs two at a time, racing up eight levels toward the bridge. By the time he reaches the top, he's gasping for air. He bursts through the doors. The officers turn and stare. In the relative calm of the bridge, where the crew stand in crisp, pressed uniforms. Finas suddenly becomes aware of of what he must look like, soaking wet, shirt streaked with blood, filthy from hours spent in the guts of the ship. The emergency lights are glowing overhead, casting everything in an eerie light. Fines scans the room until he spots the Captain. He rushes toward him. Captain, we must abandon ship. Avranis raises a hand, either to calm him or dismiss him. You sealed the watertight doors? Yes, of course, Captain. Then we won't sink. The compartment will flood, but it will stop there. Fines is already shaking his head. No, sir. We were in the middle of reinstalling the vent pipe from the sewage tank. We didn't have time to replace it or to shut off the valves. There's a beat of silence. Then he hears the Captain mutter under his breath. Oh my God. Even in the dim light, Fines sees the color drain from the Captain's face as his gaze drops to the floor, and in that moment Finas knows that he understands the devastating truth. Once the sewage tank fills, water will surge backward up through every drain and pipe on the ship. Every bathroom will flood. The water will rise deck by deck and pressure will build in the bow and eventually it will drag the ship down. There's no stopping it. A gentle chirping cuts through the silence. Finess glances around and spots a small wire cage. The Captain's canary, perched inside, tilts its head. The Captain exhales while looking up at the bird. How much time do we have? He doesn't look at Fines. He's keeping his eyes on the bird as if it might answer. Fines shrugs. Eight, 10 hours, maybe. It's hard to say. Finally the Captain turns to face him and with the generators out, our propeller is useless. We're dead in the water. Then he brushes past Finas and heads to the door. Sir, where are you going? The captain doesn't look back. I need to tell my wife to pack our bags. Lorraine Betts pulls herself along the storm lash deck, gripping the railing with one hand as the wind howls around her. It's so fierce her eyes are watering. She can't tell if the spray stinging her face is rain or seawater. She knows she shouldn't be out here, but she needs needs to speak to the captain. Just minutes ago, she was in her office when the power went out. First the lights, then the engines. Now climbing the slick metal stairs toward the bridge. Lorraine glances down and stops Colt. Below her on the deck, several officers are swarming the lifeboat station. They're lining up by the railing, dressed in warm clothes, wearing life jackets and carrying suitcases. Above, deckhands are lowering a lifeboat. Her eyes lock on someone she recognizes. The second officer. She cups her hands around her mouth and shouts into the wind, what the hell's going on? Where are you going? But her voice is lost, swallowed by the roar of the storm.
- [36:04]
Keke Palmer
It's your girl, Keke. And if you haven't heard my podcast, Baby this is Keke Palmer. You're missing out. You know, I do it all. Acting, singing, hosting, producing. But this podcast right here, this is where I get to be my whole entire self with my people. And that means you. Every week we're hanging out, getting into the juiciest conversations. And trust me when I say the tea is hot and the guests are serving. We're talking entertainers, creators, thought leaders. Everybody who's everybody comes through through to keep it real with your girl. But this isn't just about me and my guest spilling tea. This is about us. You and me, hanging out every week, getting into everything from career moves to life drama to being a mom. Nothing is off limits. I'm always gonna be your girl, keke. Keeping it 100. So come through and join the conversation. Head over to YouTube if you wanna watch the full experience or you can subscribe to Baby this is Keke Palmer on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcast. Want it early and ad free? Join Wondery right now.
- [37:04]
J.R. Martinez
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States. Recipients have done the improbable, showing immense bravery and sacrifice in the name of something much bigger than themselves.
- [37:15]
Michael O'Mahoney
This medal is for the men who went down that day. It's for the families of those who didn't make it.
- [37:22]
J.R. Martinez
I'm J.R. martinez. I'm a U.S. army veteran myself, and I'm honored to tell you the stories of these heroes on the new season of Medal of Stories of Courage from Pushkin Industries and I Heart Podcast. From Bud Day, who survived more than five years in the Vietnamese prison, to Alvin York, the most famous soldier of World War I, these are stories about people who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor, going above and beyond the call of duty. You'll hear about what they did, what it meant, and what their stories tell us about the nature of courage and sacrifice. Listen to Medal of Honor, wherever you get your podcast.
- [38:14]
Michael O'Mahoney
Loring Bets climbs the final steps to the bridge. As she steps inside, she scans the room. She's small in stature, but what she lacks in height, she more than makes up for in presence. She spots the captain standing off to the side, staring out through the wide glass windows at the storm. Sir, what's going on? I saw deckhands preparing to launch a lifeboat. The captain barely turns. We've had some engine trouble. Water has leaked into the engine room. Tell your staff to begin handing out life jackets just as a precaution. A precaution? Lorraine has been a cruise director long enough to know you don't launch lifeboats in a storm like this over a little engine trouble, Sir. Are we sinking? No, the lifeboats are just in case. She doesn't buy it, but there's no point arguing. She turns and hurries back to the lounge to rally her team. When she arrives, the room is dim and restless. Passengers are waiting for the show to start and for the power to come back on. At the front, the magician, Robin Bultman stands in a suit and tie, holding a megaphone. Attention passengers. This is your magician speaking. We're working on manifesting a little light. We'll be starting the show shortly. Just give us a few minutes to set up. Lorraine quickly pulls Robyn and a few other TFC staff to the side of the stage. There's a ripple of nervous laughter. Someone cracks a joke. She raises her voice, calm but firm. Everyone quiet. They gather in close. I spoke to the captain. He says there's engine trouble and some flooding below deck, but he says it's not safe. Serious. She turns to the hosts. Dancers. Admin everyone not performing tonight. I need you to knock on every cabin door. Tell passengers to put on their life jackets and head to the lounge. Don't cause panic. Tell them. The captain says it's just a precaution. Bring up as many extra life jackets and blankets as you can find. Questions erupt. She raises a hand. Just do it. The team scatters, rushing off in different directions. Now it's just Lorraine, Robin, Moss, and Tracy and another magician, Julian Butler. She steps in close and lowers her voice. I saw officers on the upper deck getting into a lifeboat. I don't know why the power's out or why officers are preparing to abandon ship, but I have a bad feeling about it. Moss nods with a grim expression. Yeah, I saw crew in the stairwell. They were soaking wet and shouting. It felt like something was seriously wrong. Lorraine looks at each of them. Until we get more direction from the captain, I need you to keep everyone calm. Then she turns and hurries off, heading downstairs to find her grandmother. Grab a few walkie talkies and some warmer clothes. She has to be ready. Ready for anything. Michael o' Mahony makes his way down the dimly lit hallway from his cabin, leading four year old Liam by the hand. Just behind him, Yvette cradles baby Meggie swaddled in his small sleeping bag. Liam, still half asleep, rubs his eyes. I'm so tired, Daddy. Where are we going? Michael doesn't answer right away. He keeps his eyes on the glowing exit sign at the end of the corridor marking the stairwell. I told you, remember? The captain wants everyone up in the lounge. We'll have you back in bed in no time. Other passengers are already crowding the stairwell with life jackets on. One man is lugging a suitcase and Michael wonders if he missed the message about leaving baggage behind or just decided to ignore it. Finally they reach the lounge. It's already filled and all the seats are taken, so they settle onto a patch of carpet and try to get comfortable. On stage, the band is playing, leading a half hearted sing along that barely rises above the confused chatter. Passengers have been reassured there's no cause for alarm, but no announcement has been made. No one seems to know what's actually going on. The staff is doing their best to keep things light. The bar is open, drinks are being handed out. Some people are laughing while others just sit in silence. The atmosphere is somewhere between a party and a waiting room and still no one has said what exactly they're waiting for. Moss Hills plays his acoustic guitar under the dim glow of the emergency lights, doing his best to keep the festive vibe going. It's around 10:30 and for the past half hour they've been playing old favorites, singing as loud as they can over the nervous chatter. The lounge is packed. TFC staff move calmly through the crowd, helping people with life jackets and repeating the captain's message to Lorraine. It's just a precaution. Outside, the storm still rages. 40 foot waves slam into the hall, turning the lounge into a swaying, rolling funhouse. For now, the mood is still lively, drinks are flowing, laughter echoes and the energy is holding steady, but Moss can feel it. People are starting to get restless. As he gets ready to count in the next tune, a voice calls out from the crowd. When are the lights coming back? Moss smiles from the stage and shrugs. He doesn't know, and if he's being honest, the darkness might be the least of their problems. Surely someone in charge will step in soon and explain what's going on. But until then, he and Tracy are doing what they can to keep people distracted, one song at a time. He nods at Tracy and they launch into a familiar tune, American piece. The crowd joins in, singing and swaying, but as they near the chorus, Ma suddenly remembers the line that's coming this'll be the day that I die. His eyes meet Tracy's. She gets it. And without missing a beat, they shift seamlessly into Sweet Caroline. If anyone notices the change, they don't say a word, and the sing along continues. It's working. Suddenly a deep rumble echoes through the lounge. Heads turn toward the starboard window. Moss and Tracy keep playing, but through the storm streaked glass, Moss sees it. A lifeboat being lowered slowly on its cables, silhouetted against the sky and inside, just barely visible people. Not passengers. Officers. Senior officers. Moss goes cold with fear. If the people in charge are leaving, what hope is there for the rest of us?
- [45:28]
Moss Hills
If you like against the odds, you.
- [45:30]
Cassie DePeckel
Can binge all episodes early and ad.
- [45:32]
Moss Hills
Free right now by joining Wondery in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad free on Amazon Music. And before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short survey@wondry.com.
- [45:44]
Cassie DePeckel
Survey.
- [45:47]
Michael O'Mahoney
This is the first episode of our three part series, Rescue off the Wild Coast. A quick note about our scenes. In most cases we can't know exactly what was said, but everything is based on historical research. I'm your host, Cassie to Peckle. Steve Fenasey wrote this episode. Sound design by Rob Schieliga. Audio engineer is Sergio Enriquez. Original theme music Scott Velasquez and 2K for Freeson sync produced by Alida Rosanski. Managing producer is Desi Blalock. Senior managing producer is Kellan Plews. Senior producer is Rachel Matlow. Executive producers are Jenny Lauer, Beckman, Stephanie, Jens Marshall, Louie and Aaron o' Flaherty for Wondery.
- [46:41]
Cassie DePeckel
Hey Wowzer fams.
- [46:42]
Michael O'Mahoney
It's Guy Raz and Mindy here. And Mindy, can you believe we have our very own wow in the world stem toys? I know.
- [46:49]
Keke Palmer
And look, they even have our faces on them.
- [46:54]
Michael O'Mahoney
Look at little us.
- [46:55]
Keke Palmer
Guy Razzie.
- [46:56]
Michael O'Mahoney
It's so bonker balls.
- [46:58]
Keke Palmer
Aw, you're using my catchphrase.
- [47:01]
Cassie DePeckel
Grown ups.
- [47:01]
Michael O'Mahoney
We are so excited to share our wow in the world stem toys with the future scientists in your life. And now you can find our toys.
- [47:10]
Keke Palmer
At select Walmart locations near you and.
- [47:13]
Michael O'Mahoney
Online@Walmart.Com from the ultimate high flying air rocket to the light up terrarium, there's something for every Wowzer in your world to play and tinker with.
- [47:24]
Keke Palmer
Wow in the world Stem toys now available at Walmart. That's it. And now let's get back to the wow.