61 | The Disappearance of Andrew McAuley
In the vast, unforgiving expanse of the Tasman Sea, a lone adventurer embarked on a journey that would test the very limits of human endurance. Battling relentless waves, howling winds, and the ever-present threat of the unknown, he dared to conquer one of the most treacherous stretches of water on Earth. As the days turned into nights, and the nights into an endless blur of survival, the sea began to whisper its dark secrets.
Amidst the isolation and the ceaseless roar of the ocean, a chilling distress call echoed through the void, marking the beginning of a mystery that would haunt the hearts and minds of those who followed his journey. What drove this intrepid soul to face such peril? And what became of him in the end?
Join us as we delve into the enigmatic tale of a man who sought to defy nature's fury and paid the ultimate price. This is a story of courage, determination, and the haunting allure of the unknown.
Welcome back to Tragedy with a View
I am your host Kayla and I would like to thank Heather for joining us on patreon. Again, I have two tiers available, trail angels which is $1 a month and gets you the first 4 subscriber only episodes and pack of stickers, and then the happy hikers which is $4 a month and you receive the same as trail angels but with the additional first episode each month being available to you as well as a free t shirt after 1 year. The tshirt can not be purchased so it is special for members.
I don’t have anything to add right now except that I did have a couple people reach out from my last video asking about the puppy - and so I wanted to quickly tell his story. I know many of you are dog lovers and if you follow me on instagram you already know that I had to help my heart dog, Autumn, over the rainbow bridge in December. I do have some art for the podcast that depicts our adventures together so I kind of dubbed her as the podcast dog and she was often at my side while recording.
Well - I had joked with a group of my friends when I told them that I had an appointment for Autumn for someone to come to my home and kind of do an inhouse service. you know i can't be without a dog so I am probably going to put her down and then go get another dog.
I was not serious in any way - but after Sam and I buried Autumn I saw that my friend Michelle who has come on the podcast and is a hospice nurse, she had a patient who had a stroke and his mental state altered and he no longer wanted this puppy he had so Michelle was helping to rehome him and well, the rest is pretty clear.
And we already love him so much and I know some people really struggle with getting another pet after one they love passes away and I can definitely sympathize with that, but I would like to tell you that the heart expands - it does not replace. Your loved one will always hold the parts of your heart that it has claim to and nothing will ever change that.
And much like the death of a pet, the death of a person can bring its own challenges and hardships that no one saw coming. Each period of mourning is different and each relationship is different.
But, those who brought a light into our lives can often feel the hardest to overcome when we find that light is extinguished.
Andrew McAuley was born on August 7, 1968, in Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia. He grew up with a passion for adventure and the outdoors. As a young adult, he traveled extensively and developed not only a love for mountaineering and sea kayaking but a strong skillset that allowed him to pursue these activities. .
Andrew was a student at Anglican Church Grammar School in East Brisbane and completed his education in 1984 and while that might have been when his formal education ended, he was known for his daring expeditions and became an accomplished mountaineer, climbing peaks in Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Patagonia. He preferred to find new routes and make exploratory climbs.
It was on his trip to Patagonia in the late 1990’s that Andrew learned how much he enjoyed kayaking. He and his friends had been in Patagonia for a mountaineering adventure, but when they got caught in a bad storm, they had to switch gears and kayak through the Chilean fjords.
And this sparked not just his curiosity, but a sense of power in Andrew. Under many circumstances, he learned that he could keep moving forward if he was in a kayak. And he never turned his back on kayaking after this.
In sea kayaking, Andrew achieved several notable feats. In 2003, he became the first person to complete a non-stop crossing of the Bass Strait, which is a treacherous stretch of sea between mainland Australia and Tasmania. This is a 136-mile or 218 km journey that took him 35 hours to complete
In 2004, he kayaked across the Gulf of Carpentaria, which is an almost 330-mile or 530 km trip that took him a week to complete.
And then in 2006, he led an expedition in the Australian Antarctic Territory, paddling over 800 km or 500 miles within the Antarctic Circle.
It was these achievements that earned him recognition and accolades, including the Adventurer of the Year award from the Australian Geographic Society in 2005.
Andrew's passion for pushing the boundaries of sea kayaking and his love for adventure were evident in all his expeditions and because of this, his legacy continues to inspire adventurers around the world.
It was in 2007, thought, that something… different…. happened.
At 38 years old, Andrew had accomplished a lot and was gearing up for an attempt to kayak across the Tasman Sea from Australia to New Zealand. He aimed to become the first solo kayaker to complete this challenging 994-mile or 1600 km journey.
Kayaking across the Tasman Sea is an incredibly challenging and lengthy endeavor. Based on previous attempts, it can take around 60-75 days to complete the journey, depending on weather conditions and the route taken. The journey involves battling strong winds, large waves, and other harsh sea conditions.
It's definitely not for the faint of heart and there are many factors contributing to the extremely harsh and unpredictable conditions.
The Tasman Sea is influenced by several major weather systems, including low-pressure systems and cold fronts, which can cause strong winds, heavy rain, and large waves. The winds in this area are known to get aggressive, especially during storms, which can create choppy seas and make it difficult to maintain stability and control while kayaking.
Then there are the currents, like the East Australian Current which flows down the eastern coast of Australia, bringing warm water and potentially creating complex currents. In the Tasman Sea, these currents can interact with other ocean currents, leading to turbulence.
Then there are large ocean swells generated by distant storms which can travel thousands of miles and reach the Tasman Sea. These swells can create massive waves, making navigation challenging.
In addition to this, due to the location, the Tasman Sea is relatively shallow compared to other parts of the Pacific Ocean and this can cause waves to become steeper and more dangerous as they approach shallower waters.
And finally, we have the fact that the water temperature in the Tasman Sea can vary, but it tends to be cooler than tropical waters. Cold water can pose additional challenges, including the risk of hypothermia.
These factors alone are treacherous, but combined they make the Tasman Sea one of the most challenging and dangerous bodies of water for sea kayakers.
But that does not persuade people looking for a challenge to turn the other way.
As of this recording, only a few people have successfully kayaked across the Tasman Sea the most notable attempts include Scott Donaldson who became the first to complete the journey by himself in 2019. It took him 62 days to accomplish this. And then Richard Barnes who completed the journey in 2023.
These kayakers who set out to cross this sea have shown incredible determination and bravery to undertake such a challenging and dangerous journey. It's definitely not something everyone can achieve!
And this is because, while Sea kayaking is an exciting and adventurous water sport that involves paddling a kayak on open waters, there is a dangerous side. Sea kayaking is not that much different from river kayaking, though, the equipment does vary a bit.
For example, Sea kayaks are typically longer and narrower than recreational kayaks, which are designed for better stability and tracking in open water. Sea kayak paddles are usually longer with asymmetrical blades to improve efficiency and reduce fatigue.
And then because you are on the open water of seas, oceans, and lakes, essential gear includes a life jacket (PFD), spray skirt, bilge pump, and navigation tools like a compass or GPS. Not saying that you shouldn’t always have these with you when exploring in the outdoors - they’re just more common.
The equipment is not the only difference as the skills and techniques used in open water vary a bit. Using proper paddling techniques, including forward stroke, sweep stroke, and bracing, are crucial for efficiency and control. Of course, knowing how to perform self-rescue techniques, such as the Eskimo roll or wet exit, is vital for safety. And then understanding tides, currents, weather patterns, and chart reading is important for planning and executing trips.
Sea kayaking allows for extended expeditions, exploring remote coastlines, islands, and marine wildlife, though it can also be a relaxing recreational activity, perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of coastal areas and large lakes. May areas have sea kayaking clubs and organizations that one can join that offer training and group trips and other events. And then, because what fun would kayaking be without competitive events, such as races and endurance challenges, for those seeking an extra thrill.
Sea kayaking thought also has the great benefits of being a full body workout which helps to improve cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility, it helps to reduce stress and allow you to connect with nature for a calmer and more stable mood and mental state.
For those who might be interested in learning more or sea kayaking themselves, there are places that offer lessons or you can find a local club.
So, coming back to the Tasman sea and these other multi-week treks across seas and straits, my very first question was how do people who do this sleep in a kayak?
So, sleeping while kayaking involves careful planning and preparation and there are a few methods that one can take to keep safe.
Sea kayakers often carry sea anchors (or drogue anchors) to stabilize the kayak while the kayaker sleeps. A sea anchor is a device that drags in the water to reduce the kayak's drift and keep it oriented into the waves, which then minimizes the risk of capsizing.
Some kayakers modify their kayaks to sleep in the cockpit. So they basically scoot their way down and then some may use inflatable mattresses or specially designed sleeping platforms that fit within the cockpit, allowing them to lie down and sleep while still being inside the kayak. This helps to keep them secure and sheltered from the elements.
Andrew, supposedly, had a custom-built kayak with a small platform on which he could pitch a tent. This platform extended from the kayak, providing a relatively stable and dry sleeping area. But in the photos I found I don’t see anything that looks like a platform or even something that could be folded out and into a platform so I don’t know if that is true. The source looked credible, but you never really know.
No matter, for this particular trip, Andrew insulated his 19 foot Mirage kayak and modified it so that he could sleep inside the kayak. It had a yellow fiberglass canopy on it to protect him from the freezing waters and disastrous storms. Then, when he did decide to sleep, a ventilator allowed for air to flow through the kayak and also prevented water from entering the kayak in the event it tipped or flipped over.
In addition to where one would sleep, using waterproof and buoyant sleeping bags can help keep kayakers warm and dry during the times they are asleep. These bags are designed to float.
Kayakers plan their journey with scheduled breaks to sleep on land whenever possible. They might target small islands, sandbars, or other safe landing spots along their route to rest.
Always staying tethered to the kayak while sleeping is crucial. This ensures that the kayaker and the kayak remain connected, even if they drift during sleep.
And finally, kayakers may take shorter naps during calm conditions rather than long, continuous sleep periods. This allows them to remain vigilant and respond quickly to changes in weather or sea conditions.
Crossing the Tasman Sea is an extreme challenge, and adventurers must be well-prepared and equipped to handle such conditions.
Andrew was driven by a deep passion for adventure and pushing the limits of human endurance. He wanted to be the first solo kayaker to cross the Tasman Sea from Australia to New Zealand, a journey that had never been successfully completed before. He saw it as a way to test his skills, resilience, and determination in one of the most challenging and dangerous environments.
In his own words, Andrew said, “There’s a great deal of satisfaction in coming up with an adventure that’s unlikely and improbable.” He thrived on the thrill of tackling seemingly impossible feats and was motivated by the sense of accomplishment that came from overcoming extreme challenges.
But, in December of 2006, Andrew set out on the waters and had to turn around after only a day. The waters had been splashing on him, and with the freezing temperatures, he developed hypothermia. But, this didn’t stop him for long.
On January 11, 2007, just one month later, Andrew set out to kayak across the Tasman Sea from Tasmania, Australia to Mildford Sound, New Zealand, and he was planning for this trip to only take a month. As we have already mentioned, we know this takes about 2 months to accomplish, so what made Andrew believe it would take half that time?
Well, Andrew was an experienced kayaker who had successfully completed several long-distance kayaking expeditions before attempting the Tasman Sea crossing. His previous achievements probably gave him confidence in his abilities.
However, the Tasman Sea is known for its unpredictable and dangerous conditions, including rogue waves and strong currents. Despite his experience, it's possible that Andrew underestimated the challenges posed by this particular stretch of water. But, in addition to that, his determination and adventurous spirit might have also played a role in his decision to attempt the crossing in a relatively short time frame
But, as usual, Andrew’s preparation for this attempt was extensive and meticulous, reflecting his experience and dedication to long-distance sea kayaking.
We already know he had already completed several challenging kayaking expeditions, providing him with experiences that helped him build the necessary skills and confidence for the Tasman Sea crossing.
He used a specially designed kayak equipped with a self-righting capsule called "Casper," which allowed him to right the kayak if it capsized. This capsule will also provide some protection from the harsh sea conditions.
Andrew trained extensively to build his physical endurance and kayaking skills. This included long hours on the water, practicing self-rescue techniques, and familiarizing himself with sleeping in the kayak.
He worked closely with veteran sailor Jonathan Borgais, who provided weather predictions and helped plan the safest route across the Tasman Sea, while also staying mindful that the unpredictable nature of the sea remained a significant challenge.
And, finally, Andrew took precautions such as deploying a drift anchor and sealing the kayak's hatch with a fibreglass capsule to protect against water leaking into the interior of his kayak. He also kept in touch with friends and family, sending daily updates and images by using a satellite phone and a GPS tracking device to ensure they knew he was safe.
Within a few days, Andrew was telling his family that "It's an excellent, excellent, excellent adventure… provided I make it."
But as the challenges began to build, he began to allow the hard parts to leak into his messages but, even so, his optimism and shining personality overshadowed what was the hardest adventure of his life.
He expressed more than once that he might have bitten off more than he could chew and that while things were still feeling good and going mostly smooth - some things began to go wrong.
While we don’t know what those things are as he played them off as minor inconveniences, he did express that he hoped to make it soon as he was just ready for the challenges to be over.
He was close to the coast of new zealand when a storm blew in and we would later learn that Andrew spend 27 hours inside of his kayak waiting out the storm. The waves pummeled his kayak and at times the waves plunged him deep into the cold, dark waters.
Then, On January 30, Andrew sent a distress signal, which was received by the New Zealand Coast Guard. While his message was garbled and hard to understand because it was filled with desperation and fear. In his last recorded distress call, he said, "I've got an emergency situation, I am in a kayak about 30 kilometers or 18.6 miles from Milford Sound. I need a rescue. My kayak's sinking." With that, the coast guard immediately initiated a search and rescue operation.
The coast guard deployed both water vessels and aircraft to the GPS location that confirmed the signal indicated that he was about 30 kilometers from Milford Sound, a fiord in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island.
that they last knew him to be at, and then worked out from there trying to locate Andrew.
For two days, search and rescue combed the waters. Spotting a person in the water can be extremely challenging, especially in rough seas or poor visibility conditions. Factors such as waves, currents, and the person's position in the water can make it difficult to see them. Additionally, the vastness of the ocean and the limited range of vision from search aircraft or vessels further complicate the task.
In Andrew’s case, the Tasman Sea's unpredictable conditions and the fact that he was alone in such a large expanse of water made it even harder for the search teams to locate him.
Andrew was not wearing a survival suit during this journey, which turned out to be a tragic decision. His family had initially thought he was wearing one, but the fact that he was not significantly reduced his chances of survival, as a survival suit could have provided crucial protection from the cold water and harsh conditions
Despite their hopes and attempts only a few of Andrew’s belongings were found. His kayak was found floating upside down, and while it was flooded, it was intact. A memory card from his camera was recovered revealing his final days and the powerful storms he faced. And then various personal items were also recovered from the kayak.
Andrew's body was never found, and he is presumed to have drowned.
The theories for what happened are endless. From just getting exhausted to capsizing and being unable to flip back over, to some more technical theories like that his cockpit cover was not sealed property and Andrew drowned inside the kayak before being pulled out by the waves. Then, there is hypothermia and the potential that a rogue wave pulled him free. No matter the circumstances, we don’t have answers.
It's a heartbreaking story, and his family and friends still hope for answers about what exactly happened to him. Andrew's journey and life have been documented in a film titled "Solo" and a book by his widow, Vicki McAuley
The emotional weight of knowing that Andrew was in a life-threatening situation, and the realization that he might not survive, made his final message incredibly hard to hear for his family, friends, and those who followed his journey. The subsequent discovery of his empty kayak, without Andrew's body, added to the tragedy and left many unanswered questions.
And then years later a photo surfaced on the internet. The photo was of Andrew, looking exhausted, with the white of sunblock layers on his face. It almost feels as if he is looking at you through the camera and what is in the background sends chills down any kayaker’s spine. The large wave behind him leaves an eerie sensation that this last photo, this last message could have been one cut short by the waves behind him, waiting for him to succumb to the frigid waters.
It's a moment that underscores the dangers and unpredictability of such extreme adventures, and the heartbreak that the family left behind is exposed to.
For his memorial service, his wife, Vicki, chose a very special lighthouse - not just to her but to all of Australia. The Macquarie Lighthouse in Sydney, which overlooks where the Pacific Ocean met the Tasman sea. She did this to symbolize how much of a light he had been in her life, and how he had always been a beacon calling her home.
The lighthouse is also Australia’s first, and with that Vicki stated “it is Australia’s first lighthouse and you, my very brave man, have just achieved an historical first, paddling a kayak across the Tasman.” After all, he was only 18 miles or 30 km from his destination.
As we close this chapter of our journey, we are reminded of the spirit of adventure that drives individuals to seek out the unknown, to push boundaries, and to face the elements with unwavering determination. Our story today has taken us through the treacherous waves of the Tasman Sea, where one man's daring attempt to conquer nature's fury leaves us with a sense of awe and wonder.
In the end, it is nature that holds the ultimate power, humbling even the most intrepid souls who venture into its depths. We are left with a profound respect for the courage it takes to challenge the world's great mysteries, and a poignant reminder that our time on this Earth is fleeting and unpredictable.
May this tale inspire you to embrace the spirit of exploration in your own life, to chase your dreams with passion, and to respect the forces that shape our world. For in the face of nature's might, we are all but adventurers, navigating the vast unknown with hope, courage, and an unyielding desire to discover something new.
Thank you for listening. Until next time.
Bye.
Sources:
https://allthatsinteresting.com/andrew-mcauley
https://www.unilad.com/news/world-news/andrew-mcauley-kayak-missing-what-happened-810954-20250103
https://www.ladbible.com/news/world-news/andrew-mcauley-kayak-death-recording-322247-20240522
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-02-09/report-released-into-kayakers-fatal-trans-tasman/1037486
