Early Explorer
Ernest Shackleton explored the Antarctic during the 20th century. He visited that part of the world several times, but it was after the so-called Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914 through 1917 that Shackleton achieved fame. During his attempt to cross the continent by sea, his ship crashed, forcing the crew to continue their trip to the South Pole in small boats. Despite all the hardships, Shackleton and his shipmates survived.
Blue John Canyon
Mountaineer Aron Ralston took off for a hike in the Utah desert's Blue John Canyon in 2003. Not long after his start, an 800-pound boulder, or detached rock, clamped down on his arm. Ralston spent five days trying to liberate his limb without success. Finally, he decided to self-amputate his arm with a dull knife. The act freed Ralston and saved his life.
Surviving a Nightmare
In 1972, a plane carrying a Uruguayan rugby team crashed in the Andes. Only a few of the passengers survived. In the process of waiting and searching for help, others passed away. Hungry and desperate, some of the survivors fought for their lives by turning to cannibalism. After 72 days, the survivors were rescued.
Sailing Around the Globe
At age 16, in January 2010, Abby Sunderland set off to sail the globe alone in her yacht. After five months at sea, Sunderland sent out distress signals, prompting officials to start a rescue search. When Sunderland was found, her boat's riggings were down. She had to abandon her goal of becoming the youngest person to sail the seas alone nonstop, but her adventure was a learning experience that earned praises for her achievements.
