Coming Back Alive

The True Story of the Most Harrowing Search and Rescue Mission Ever Attempted on Alaska's High Seas

By: Spike Walker

Narrated by: Paul Heitsch

Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

When the fishing vessel La Conte sinks suddenly at night in 100-mile-per-hour winds and record 90-foot seas during a savage storm in January 1998, her five crewmen are left to drift without a life raft in the freezing Alaskan waters and survive as best they can.

One hundred fifty miles away, in Sitka, Alaska, an H-60 Jayhawk helicopter lifts off from America's most remote Coast Guard base in the hopes of tracking down an anonymous Mayday signal. A fisherman's worst nightmare has become a Coast Guard crew's desperate mission. As the crew of the La Conte begin to die one by one, those sworn to watch over them risk everything to pull off the rescue of the century.

Spike Walker's memoir of his years as a deckhand in Alaska, Working on the Edge, was hailed by James A. Michner as "masterful...will become the definitive account of this perilous trade, an addition to the literature of the sea." In Coming Back Alive, Walker has crafted his most devastating book to date. Meticulously researched through hundreds of hours of taped interviews with the survivors, this is the true account of the La Conte's final voyage and the relationship between Alaskan fishermen and the search and rescue crews who risked their lives to save them.

©2001 Spike Walker (P)2018 Tantor

Engaging

I found this book well written. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and then settles you back. I was a member of the Coast Guard and have sailed the gulf of Alaska. It truly expresses the moment and the truth of rescues made by our crews. Enjoyed it.

Excellent. Exciting. Informative

Narration is superb: pronunciation, enunciation, inflection, pace, cadence, varied rhythm are all excellent.

Story is exciting, informative, well structured, although I could do with less biographical information.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Survival, hero’s and a work of art.

This book of survival is pure of spirit and full of adventure unlike any you might imagine because it is lived and told by hero’s.

Interesting collection of stories

I really enjoyed listening to the true account of these life-saving and life-changing stories. There is some additional information mixed throughout that talks about the landscape of Alaska, the type of work, hunting and fishing.
The most interesting parts of this audiobook, for me, made you feel immersed in these stories of people fighting for their lives against the sea and landscape of Alaska.

Gripping!

This book had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t stop listening. The descriptions of landscapes and atmospheric conditions are so vivid that you feel like you are right there. The narrator’s passionate reading gives an extra dimension as you get sucked along with the unfolding drama. It’s as close to an adrenaline rush as you can get without actually being there. Highly recommend!

in the grip of a harrowing story

the courage and fortitude and selfless devotion to duty conveyed by this book should give us all pause about our own values and behaviour, and leave us humbled.

Well written, descriptive and true!

The authors descriptive method of a very perilous way of making a living had me captivated from beginning to the end. It made me realize I should be paying more for the fish we buy! Over all this book continually held my interest!

Thrilling, Adventurous Rescue Story

This was a harrowing and fascinating account of the most incredible Coast Guard helicopter rescue in Alaskan history. Author Spike Walker gives some background and the tale of another rescue that ended tragically before diving into the main story. The book really comes alive detailing the incredible rescue attempts of several fishermen floating on the sea in horrendous weather, with no life raft, tied to each other and facing waves over 70 feet. This section is riveting, a total of three different Coast Guard helicopters were involved in the rescue and you can't wait to find out who makes it and who doesn't. I read this book using immersion reading, while listening to the audio book version. A thrilling, heartbreaking and heartwarming read.

What a book and reading!

The snowflake that left this book a one star rating because they could not sleep afterwards is a complete idiot! You were warned within the first paragraph that this is intense. I am sure that person has never really lived. They need to stick to warm and fuzzy Disney crap.
This book very well may keep you up at night! I could not stop listening to it!! One of my top books I ever listen to. Thank you

Gripping, Best in the World of Search & Rescue

Loved every chapter, was sorry it had to end! Amazing Account of Fearless, determined professionals willing to give everything including their very lives to rescue others. Excellent narration and superb writing!