Poon Lim

Poon Lim, born on March eighth, nineteen eighteen, on the island of Hainan, China, was a remarkable Chinese seafarer whose extraordinary survival story captured the world's attention during World War II.

In nineteen forty-two, while serving as Second Mess Steward on the British cargo ship SS Benlomond, Lim faced a harrowing ordeal when the vessel was sunk by the German submarine U-172 on November twenty-third. He found himself alone on an eight-foot wooden raft in the vast South Atlantic, where he would spend a record one hundred thirty-three days adrift.

During his time at sea, Lim demonstrated incredible resourcefulness. As supplies dwindled, he turned to fishing, caught seabirds, and collected rainwater to sustain himself. His resilience and determination ultimately led to his rescue by three Brazilian fishermen on April fifth, nineteen forty-three, as he neared the coast of Brazil.

Upon his return to the United Kingdom, Lim was honored with the British Empire Medal by King George VI for his bravery and survival against the odds. After the war, he made the significant decision to emigrate to the United States, where he continued to forge a new life.