Alain Bombard

Alain Bombard 1981

Alain Bombard (27 October 1924 – 19 July 2005) was a French biologist, physician, and politician famous for his claim that shipwrecked people could survive without fresh water and provisions. He is best known for his solo transatlantic crossing in a small boat to prove his theories.

Early Life and Education

Alain Bombard was born in Paris, France. He studied medicine and became a physician, specializing in biology. His interest in survival at sea was sparked by his work as a doctor, where he encountered numerous cases of shipwreck survivors suffering from dehydration and malnutrition.

The Atlantic Crossing

In 1952, Bombard set out to prove his theory that a person could survive at sea without fresh water and provisions by relying on fish, plankton, and small amounts of seawater. He embarked on a solo voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in a small inflatable boat named L'Hérétique. Bombard sailed from Monaco to the West Indies, covering a distance of approximately 4,400 kilometers (2,700 miles) in 65 days.

During the journey, Bombard consumed raw fish, plankton, and limited amounts of seawater. He documented his experiences and findings, which he later published in his book Naufragé Volontaire (The Bombard Story). His voyage was met with both acclaim and skepticism, as some experts questioned the validity of his methods and conclusions.

Later Career and Contributions

After his transatlantic voyage, Bombard continued to work in the fields of biology and medicine. He also became involved in politics, serving as a member of the European Parliament from 1981 to 1994. Bombard's work had a significant impact on survival techniques and safety measures for seafarers.

Legacy

Alain Bombard's theories and experiments have influenced survival training and emergency preparedness for maritime disasters. His contributions to the understanding of human survival at sea remain a topic of interest and debate among experts.

Related Pages

• Survival at sea
• Dehydration
• Atlantic Ocean
• European Parliament
• Monaco
• West Indies