Real Survival Stories

A leisurely scuba dive in Indonesia goes sideways when the group is caught in a fierce current. Swept out to sea, Jim Manning and his fellow castaways must find land urgently. But even if they make it ashore, what awaits them on terra firma may pose an even greater danger… A Noiser production, written by Joe Viner. For ad-free listening, bonus material and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser...

In Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains, Gabe Joyes hits the trails in preparation for an upcoming ultramarathon. But a single innocuous stumble sees his run take a deadly turn. With his life literally slipping through his fingers, Gabe needs to act lightning fast to stand any chance of pulling through… A Noiser production, written by Chris McDonald. For ad-free listening, bonus material and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started...

In Hawaii, a yoga instructor pays a visit to her local forest reserve. Amanda Eller intends to take a short hike in nature to blow off some steam. It becomes a mind-bending, multi-day journey, as she stumbles off the path and into the trees. Penned in by the dense foliage, with the days blurring into one, Amanda must adapt to survive… A Noiser production, written by Chris McDonald. For ad-free listening, bonus material and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+...

A London firefighter swaps the intense heat of his day job for the extreme cold of Western Europe’s tallest mountain. As Dan Acquah begins a multi-day ascent with his friend, Matt Tomlinson, spirits are high. But as they inch upwards, the difficulties stack up. With both of their lives in danger, but one climber more mobile than the other, a decision will have to be made. Their friendship will face the ultimate test… A Noiser production, written by Joe Viner...

In 1976, Lauren Elder takes up the last-minute offer of a sightseeing flight with some friends. The plan is to range out over the desert, stop for a picnic, then head home before it’s dark. As she boards the light aircraft, Lauren never imagines she’ll end up stranded on a mountaintop. There she’ll face a desperate choice: wait for a rescue that may never materialise? Or descend the wall of rock and ice… alone? A Noiser production, written by Susan Allott...

A commercial diver finds himself cut off from his support team. When a routine shift goes awry, Chris Lemons is left all alone at the bottom of the North Sea, 127 miles off the coast of Scotland. He has mere minutes before his emergency supply of oxygen runs out. His colleagues will risk everything to get him back. It’s up to Chris to stay alive long enough for them to reach him… A Noiser production, written by Joe Viner...

An academic from the UK gets into serious trouble in the world’s highest mountain range. Jonathan Bamber has set his sights on a virgin peak - a summit no climber has ever reached before. But near the top, a freak accident leaves him grievously injured. As a scientist, Jonathan can’t help but face the grim facts of his situation. But he also knows that he must cling to hope for as long as he can… A Noiser production, written by Joe Viner...

Teenager Alex Messenger journeys into remotest Canada in search of true adventure. He never imagines he’ll end up fighting for his life at the edge of the Arctic Circle. Cornered by a fearsome, four-legged beast, Alex must do his utmost to stay calm and remember his training. But even if he survives this encounter, how on earth will he and his friends make it out of the wilderness? For more on Alex’s story, read The Twenty-Ninth Day. A Noiser production, written by Danny Marshall...

In 2013, Brett Archibald travels to Indonesia with some friends. His hopes for a memorable holiday come true… but for all the wrong reasons. During a stormy boat crossing, he falls overboard unnoticed. It’s the dead of night and he’s fifty miles from shore, without a life jacket. Brett has only one thing going for him: his indomitable will to survive. For more on Brett’s story read his book, Alone. A Noiser production, written by Joe Viner...

This is a taster episode from our sister show, Short History Of… If you enjoy it and want to hear more, follow Short History Of… wherever you get your podcasts. Standing over 29,000 feet above sea level, the peak of Everest is the highest point on Planet Earth. To the Sherpa people of the Himalayas it is sacred. To foreign adventurers it’s the holy grail of climbing...