99TravelSafe.com
The Website For The Smart and Savvy Traveler
If You Are Stranded on a Deserted Island!
Surviving on a Deserted Island
If you ever find yourself in such a situation, do not panic! You must deal with it in a planned and methodical way!
Building a Shelter
Find a cave or overhang for a shelter. It offers a watertight space. Make sure it is above the tide line. Find a tree to form corners of your four-pillared shelter. Weave palm fronds and overlap them (shingling) like a tiled roof to create a watertight roof
You may make rope from coconut tree fibres to help bind your shelter. Other great plants for cordage include hibiscus and banana trees
Shelter should be comfortable with a soft bed of leaves, a makeshift chair, or a sunshade to make living here tolerable
Location of Shelter
Shelter should be in a safe location, away from hazards such as deadwood, falling rocks, flooding, or game trails (animal tracks). Most of all, it should be efficiently located, close enough to water and food sources but far from the high-tide line
Water
You can survive 3 minutes without oxygen, 3 days without water and 30 days without food
If there is a freshwater source, you will need to boil the water to purify it, coconuts are your low-hanging fruit packed with up to 500ml of nutrient-rich water they are lifesavers, and each can represent a day of survival
Plastic bottles on most islands can be cut to make a solar still to convert sea water into fresh water, or two glass bottles can be used to create a primitive still on a fire
Not all water sources are safe. When looking for drinkable water follow the land downhill, looking for depressions and old river shapes. Stagnant water can contain harmful bacteria and parasites. Water from streams or springs is typically safer drinking water. If in doubt, boil water for several minutes to kill all harmful organisms
If you don’t have bottles or can’t find a water source, another option is to set up a system to collect rainwater. You can use large leaves, bark, or any container like items to catch food that you find. Rainwater is usually safe drinking water without treatment
Fire
Starting a fire on a desert island can be tough, but with the right technique, it is possible. Fire provides warmth, helps you cook food, purifies water and wards off predators
Using glasses, the bottom of a glass bottle, or a clear plastic bag filled with water can concentrate sunlight to ignite tinder
Friction-based fire-starting methods such as the hand drill or fire plough can be very effective if you do not have a magnifying lens
For friction fires, look for dry, softwood to use. when you create friction, they burn at lower temperatures. Remember, persistence is key to making fire go. It might take a lot of time and effort, but the payoff is worth it.
Once you’ve got a fire going, it’s important to maintain it. You don’t want to go through the process of starting it again. Keep a steady supply of wood available but remember to use it sparingly. A small fire can provide enough heat and light for your needs.
Fishing
Fish are a great food source in the islands. Use the plastic bottles washed ashore to create fish traps. Cut one end off and invert it, add a stone and a stick for bait, and you have a rudimentary fish trap. Tidal pools are a great place to find small crustaceans, shellfish and bait.
Or you could build a tidal fish trap with large stones or upright sticks below the high tide line.
Not all fish or sea creatures are safe to eat. Some can be toxic or carry diseases. Consider making a spear or fishing line. Sharp pieces of bone, shell, or rock can make effective spear points, and vines or strands of bark can serve as fishing line. Use small shells or pieces of shiny metal as lures. If you are really lucky, the survival kit you found in the raft will have fishhooks. They will be your most precious item!
Plants
Plants can provide a variety of nutrients and often require less effort to gather than hunting or fishing. However, some plants can be toxic, so it’s important to know what you’re eating.
When coconuts are sprouting, you can open them up to find a carbohydrate-rich cake inside.
Familiarize yourself with the local flora. Some plants can be a great source of food if prepared correctly. Palms, for instance, have edible hearts. But remember, never eat anything you’re unsure about.
Eating raw food can be risky due to potential parasites or bacteria. Cooking can make food safer, more palatable and more caloric. If you catch fish and don’t have a pot, look for clay to fire a simple thumb pot, boil water in a green coconut, or wrap your fish in large leaves and tie off with tree bark.
You can cook fish on sticks over the fire, but every drip you see is precious fat being lost to the fire!
Signalling for Help!
Once your basic needs are met, your focus should shift to getting rescued. Create large signals on the beach using rocks and logs. Keep a constant smoke signal, if possible. If you see a plane or ship nearby, be ready to make a move. Adding large amounts of green wet vegetation to the fire created plumes of thick white smoke that is very visible
Effective Signal Techniques
There are many ways to signal for help. Smoke signals, SOS signals made of rocks or logs, and mirror signals can all be effective. The key is to make your signals large, obvious, and in a place where they’re likely to be seen.
Staying Ready for Rescue!
Be ready to act quickly when you see a potential rescuer. If you have a flare or other signalling device, keep it with you at all times. Practice your signalling techniques so you can act quickly when the time comes!