The contents of an old diary dating from 1965 recounts one person’s memories of a fateful sailing holiday. A sailing holiday that will never be forgotten.

26th July 1965

For some sad and unknown reason Jo committed suicide last night, cutting her throat with her own penknife.  I don’t understand it.  Possibly the strain of being shipwrecked and losing our good friend Sam was all too much for her to bear?  We buried her on her side of the island and wandered back to our original campsite on the other side of the island, as a mark of respect.

3rd August 1965

Not entered anything in here for a few days as nothing much has happened.  Myself, Rob and Ed have managed to keep ourselves quite well fed on our diet of fish and fruits.  I caught two lizards as well which was fantastic as I was getting sick and tired of fish at this stage.  They tasted interesting – sort of like a very rich chicken-like texture but more liver-like in flavour than actual chicken.

6th August 1965

At last – rescued!  We were sighted by a passing ship as we stood and waved, yelling for help near our campfire.  They sent a lifeboat to pick us up and we’re now safe and snug onboard.  Rob and Ed are talking to the crewmen and asking them about the latest football and rugby league scores and asking who’s been relegated and stuff like that.  I’m grateful for the rescue but still feel a twinge of sadness that neither Sam or Jo made it this far.  I still can’t believe that Jo did away with herself…it still doesn’t make any sense.  Why did she do it..?

7th August 1965

Something terrible has just happened – and it explains entirely the reasons behind Jo’s actions!  Myself, Rob and Ed have just returned from the ship’s sickbay after being treated for shock and trauma.  Prior to that we’d been in the crew’s eating quarters where we were served with a warm meal.  We all agreed that we’d NEVER really tasted anything quite like this dish before and asked the crew what it was.  They laughed and then told us it was wild boar.

At this point we all stopped and swapped glances with each other and just stared awkwardly at the meal.  Ed put his head in his hands and began sobbing, Rob quickly ducked under the table and was immediately sick all over the floor.  I just sat there dumbstruck as it dawned on me…

“Oh God…” I whispered, “…so that’s where Sam got to!  Jo, you sick little…”

Then I ducked under the table and noisily joined in Rob’s now flagging efforts of being violently sick.

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