Andreas Mihavecz

Andreas Mihavecz is an Austrian man who gained international attention for surviving an ordeal in which he was accidentally left in a holding cell without food or water for 18 days. This incident, which occurred in 1979, is notable for being a record-breaking survival case. Mihavecz's story is not only a testament to human resilience but also a cautionary tale about negligence within the criminal justice system.

Background

Andreas Mihavecz, born in Austria, found himself in a dire situation that tested the limits of human survival. On April 1, 1979, he was detained by police in Bregenz, Vorarlberg, for a minor offense. Due to a series of misunderstandings and communication failures among the police officers, Mihavecz was placed in a holding cell and subsequently forgotten.

Survival

Locked in a cell without access to food or water, Mihavecz endured conditions that would lead to severe dehydration and starvation. The human body can typically survive for three to five days without water, making Mihavecz's 18-day survival extraordinary. His survival is attributed to his will to live, the cooler temperatures of the cell which reduced the need for water, and possibly the consumption of condensation or any moisture present.

Aftermath

The discovery of Mihavecz alive after 18 days caused a public outcry and brought to light significant flaws in the police department's procedures. The officers involved faced disciplinary actions, and the incident led to changes in how detainees are monitored to prevent such an oversight from happening again.

Legacy

Andreas Mihavecz's ordeal is recorded in the Guinness World Records for the longest survival without food or water. His story has been featured in various media outlets, documentaries, and books, often cited as a miraculous example of human survival against the odds.

See Also

• Survival skills
• Human endurance
• Negligence in the criminal justice system