Gulf of Guinea – A Spanish podcast has recounted the extraordinary survival of a ship’s cook who spent nearly three days trapped at the bottom of the ocean after his vessel capsized off the coast of Nigeria in 2013. The story, detailed in the latest episode of “Catástrofe Ultravioleta” (Ultraviolet Catastrophe), highlights the harrowing ordeal of Harrison Okene and the complex rescue operation that brought him back to life.
The podcast episode, titled “Inmersión” (Immersion), features interviews with those involved in the rescue and provides a detailed account of the conditions Okene faced. According to the broadcast, the Jascon-4 tugboat overturned after being struck by a large wave on , while working to stabilize an oil tanker. Okene, 29 at the time, found himself in the ship’s bathroom when the incident occurred and was subsequently trapped in an air pocket within the submerged vessel, approximately 100 feet below the surface.
The podcast details the desperate search for survivors, which initially yielded little hope. Divers, expecting to find only bodies, were astonished to discover Okene still alive after almost three days. The account emphasizes the extreme challenges of the rescue, including the near-total darkness and the presence of marine life. The broadcast notes that swarming crawfish were reportedly tearing at Okene’s skin during his ordeal.
“Catástrofe Ultravioleta” is a science-focused podcast hosted by Antonio Martínez Ron, Javier Peláez, and Javi Álvarez. The program aims to make scientific concepts accessible through storytelling and sound design, often incorporating elements of radio drama. The podcast won an Ondas Award in 2014 and is considered a pioneering project in the Spanish-language podcasting landscape.
The episode explores not only Okene’s survival but also the physiological effects of being trapped underwater for an extended period. It delves into the risks and difficulties faced by the rescue team in extracting him from the wreckage. The podcast also touches upon the psychological impact of such an experience.
Remarkably, Okene’s story doesn’t end with his rescue. News reports indicate that, despite the trauma, he went on to train as a professional diver. This unexpected turn of events underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to overcome even the most terrifying experiences. The podcast does not directly address Okene’s subsequent career path, but the broader narrative highlights his ability to confront and ultimately embrace the ocean that nearly claimed his life.
The podcast’s return, after a hiatus, is being heralded as a significant event in the Spanish-speaking podcast community. A new season is scheduled to launch in early on elDiario.es, a Spanish news website. “Catástrofe Ultravioleta” has cultivated a large and dedicated following over the years, and its return is expected to draw considerable attention.
The story of Harrison Okene serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers faced by those working in the maritime industry and the extraordinary courage displayed by individuals in the face of unimaginable adversity. The podcast’s detailed recounting of his ordeal offers a compelling glimpse into a near-impossible survival story and the scientific realities of human endurance in extreme environments.
The podcast episode also highlights the importance of international cooperation in maritime rescue operations. The Jascon-4 was operating off the coast of Nigeria, and the rescue effort involved divers and personnel from multiple countries. This underscores the interconnectedness of global maritime activities and the need for coordinated responses to emergencies at sea.
The podcast’s creators describe “Catástrofe Ultravioleta” as a project that seeks to explore the world through science, offering listeners a unique and often humorous perspective on complex topics. The inclusion of Okene’s story demonstrates the program’s ability to blend scientific inquiry with compelling human narratives.
