Sailor and dog survive dramatic boat disaster: "We won't die today!"
USA - A sailor living on a houseboat in the USA said to his dog "This is not the day we are going to die" as his boat began to sink.
Earl Barcome, 64, and his ten-year-old golden retriever Gunn lived on the sailboat after his relationship of over thirty years fell apart.
According to the New York Post, the 64-year-old spent months searching around the country for the "perfect boat" to sail to Florida and "start a new chapter".
He lived happily at sea for a year until Hurricane Helene hit the area he was sailing through last week.
Barcome wanted to sail into a sheltered bay, but halfway there his boat's engine failed.
The sailboat began to take on water when a pump exploded, and the pair suddenly found themselves in the cabin in deep water.
A donation page has been set up for Earl Barcome and his dog
Barcome turned to his faithful companion and reassured him that they would survive. "I said, Gunn, we're not going to die today, I'm calling the coastguard," the 64-year-old recalled.
Shortly afterwards, a helicopter was sent to his position. A rescue boat followed and spotted the sinking boat last Thursday, where the pair were successfully rescued.
"Earl has lost everything. With no money and his dream shattered, it seems impossible to rebuild after this tragedy without help," his sister wrote, opening a GoFundMe page.