Alain Bombard, a name that still resonates in people’s minds as that of an intrepid adventurer and a daring scientist. A doctor by training, Bombard made history in 1952 by embarking on a solo Atlantic crossing aboard a simple inflatable dinghy, without provisions or emergency equipment. His goal? To prove that humans could survive at sea by eating only what the ocean provided. This adventure, both heroic and controversial, revolutionized the knowledge of the time on survival at sea and continues to inspire those who push the limits of human endurance. In this article, we will explore the motivations that pushed Alain Bombard to undertake this feat, the challenges he encountered along the way, and the lasting impact of his discoveries on maritime science and survival.
From doctor to navigator, the crazy story of Alain Bombard
Alain Bombard was born on October 27, 1924 in Paris, into a family passionate about science and medicine. From a young age, he distinguished himself by an insatiable curiosity for the world around him, a character trait that would later push him to defy established conventions. His interest in the sea manifested itself very early and he learned to sail in Brittany. This fascination with the ocean would continue to grow over the years, until it became the center of his career and his life.
It was during his medical studies that Bombard had his revelation concerning the subject of survival at sea. In 1951, while he was still a medical intern in Boulogne-sur-Mer, he was confronted with a tragedy that would deeply mark his mind: the sinking of a ship, resulting in the death of many sailors. This experience, recounted in his book Naufragé Volontaire, would have the effect of an electroshock on him and led him to question the capacity of Man to survive in extreme conditions, faced with thirst, fatigue and hunger.
Driven by this question, Bombard devoted the following years to studying the survival of shipwreck survivors. First in Boulogne, then at the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, he delved into the scientific literature and collected data on past shipwrecks, survival techniques and the physiological effects of food and water deprivation. His early research led him to question the received ideas of the time, in particular the idea that seawater was systematically fatal when ingested. Bombard thus developed the hypothesis that humans could survive at sea by consuming seawater in moderation, supplemented by the liquid extracted from fish and algae, and by feeding on accessible marine fauna.
With his early discoveries, he began to share his ideas within the scientific community, but was met with widespread skepticism. The experts of the time were reluctant to accept his theories, which they considered too bold and contrary to traditional medical teachings. However, this opposition only strengthened Bombard's determination. He then decided to prove the validity of his hypotheses for himself by preparing a full-scale experiment: crossing the Atlantic alone, without provisions, armed only with his knowledge and courage.
Alain Bombard, from navigator to castaway…volunteer
From Monaco to Barbados
Alain Bombard's Atlantic crossing in 1952 remains one of the most daring feats in maritime history. This adventure, undertaken to demonstrate that man can survive at sea without provisions, began on May 25, 1952 in Monaco, when he launched his small four-meter inflatable boat named "L'Hérétique". This name, chosen by Bombard, reflects the spirit of defiance and provocation that drives this doctor passionate about survival.
He completed the first leg of his journey accompanied by an English sailor, Jack Palmer. Their first objective was to sail along the Mediterranean coast and reach the Balearic Islands. From these first days, Bombard and his companion were confronted with isolation, the vagaries of the sea, and doubts about the feasibility of his enterprise. Indeed, after nearly 3 weeks of wandering, they reached the Balearic Islands weakened and dehydrated: a meager catch and a lack of rainfall had put Bombard's theories to the test. The boat was then towed by a cargo ship to Tangier. This first laborious stage led Jack Palmer to leave the adventure and Alain Bombard took the opportunity to get back on his feet by returning to Paris to see his family and his patrons.
On August 13, 1952, Bombard set sail again. From Tangier, he reached Casablanca and then Las Palmas. The last leg of the journey was the longest and most perilous. He left Las Palmas on October 19 for his great drift towards the Antilles. The crossing was trying. The Heretic was taking on water and there was no rain for the first three weeks. Weakened by diarrhea and weight loss, he wrote his will on December 6 and accepted help and a meal from the captain of the cargo ship Arakaka. After this break, which would be criticized by his detractors, he set sail again and reached Barbados on December 23. He was greeted by local fishermen, unrecognizable, emaciated, but alive. His feat was hailed throughout the world, and his arrival marked the end of an adventure that had pushed the limits of human endurance. Alain Bombard not only survived the Atlantic, he also changed our understanding of survival at sea, proving that in the most extreme conditions, man can draw on the resources of nature and his own mind to defy the elements.
Map of Alain Bombard's navigation across the Atlantic
Crossing the Atlantic by Alain Bombard
- May 25, 1952: Departure of Alain Bombard and Jack Palmer from Monaco
- June 12, 1952: Arrival in the Balearic Islands and return to Paris
- August 13, 1952: Alain Bombard sets sail again alone from Tangier to Casablanca then Las Palmas
- October 19, 1952: Beginning of the Atlantic crossing
- December 6, 1952: Writing of his will
- December 23, 1952: Arrival in Barbados
Don't hesitate to discover my old maps of North Africa or this magnificent map of the Atlantic to imagine Alain Bombard's voyage!
Alain Bombard, navigator, savior or eccentric?
Alain Bombard's tips for surviving at sea
From his research and his experience during the Atlantic crossing will emerge a set of valuable advice for shipwreck victims.
According to Bombard, it is essential to:
- Drinking: He considers sea water in quantities of less than one litre per day to be a means of delaying dehydration, as are water from pressed fish and rainwater.
- Eating: Feeding on caught fish as well as plankton.
- Keep busy: In order to combat despair and boredom, it is essential to organize your day.
- Beware: swordfish, which could puncture the boat, sharks and, above all, despair.
These tips revolutionized the knowledge of maritime survival at the time and are still included in survival manuals today.
Bombard's work on lifeboats: the victory of soft over hard
Alain Bombard also left a lasting mark on the field of lifeboats. Convinced that rigid wooden or metal boats were not conducive to survival, he advocated the use of inflatable boats, which were more flexible and resilient to waves and wind. This approach, which he called the "victory of soft over hard", reflects his belief that adaptability and flexibility are crucial in a survival situation. His commitment led to a revolution in the design of lifeboat equipment, with inflatable boats becoming an international standard. Today, inflatable boats are an essential safety equipment on all ships, a testament to Bombard's lasting influence in this field.
A posterity shaded by gray areas
Despite his undeniable contributions, Alain Bombard's legacy is marked by controversies and grey areas. The tragedy of Étel in 1958, where a simulated shipwreck to test his theories turned into a tragedy, causing the death of four sailors, cast a shadow over his reputation. In addition, doubts have been raised concerning the veracity of his Atlantic crossing. Some have questioned whether Bombard had not secretly received help during his journey, casting doubt on his conclusions. Finally, his behavior, sometimes considered against convention, has attracted criticism, particularly for his radical approach and controversial positions.
Navigator Alain Bombard today
Alain Bombard, who passed away in 2005, remains an iconic and paradoxical figure in maritime history. A bold innovator, he challenged preconceived ideas about survival at sea and contributed significantly to the improvement of lifesaving equipment. His theories and experiments saved lives and continue to influence survival protocols. However, his legacy is also marked by grey areas and controversies that somewhat tarnish the clarity of his accomplishments. Alain Bombard left a complex legacy, made up of undeniable successes but also unresolved questions, that continues to inspire admiration as much as debate.
If you are interested in adventure stories, also discover the story of Alexander Selkirk, the real Robinson Crusoe or the famous journey of Dona Isabel through the Amazon !
To learn more, I recommend reading his book Naufragé Volontaire or watching this documentary by Stéphane Bern: