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Shipwrecked by a whale: A tale of love and loss at sea

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After recurring dreams of storms and pirate ships, Zach Small, a troubled young man from a landlocked town in England believes he is destined for a life on the sea. This new nautical start brings him adventure, fulfilment and a fresh sense of purpose.

On his travels, Zach crosses paths with a woman named Rosie, who would later become his wife, and they plan a life on the waves with their daughters. While the girls are still very young, Rosie dies of breast cancer and Zach returns to the sea to process his grief. He hopes to offer his daughters a similar experience on the ocean but a voyage to show them where he first met their mum nearly ends in disaster when their catamaran hits a sleeping whale and their boat quickly starts to sink. Hundreds of miles from land.

Presenter: Mobeen Azhar

Producer: Rachel Oakes

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(Photo: The Small Family and girlfriend Kim after being rescued at sea. Credit: Golar LPG)