Modern Day Castaway: A real-life survival adventure

by Michael Atkinson

In 1846, James Morrill survived a shipwreck on Australia’s north coast. Though the young sailor was then embraced by the local Indigenous community, in Modern-Day Castaway , Michael Atkinson asks, ‘Could James have built a vessel and made the perilous journey to a historic rescue haven in the Torres Strait?’ With the cyclone season fast approaching, Alone Australia contestant and solo adventurer, Mike Atkinson, sets sail on an extraordinary 1500-kilometre journey to the northern tip of Australia. His to live entirely off the land and sea. As malnourishment drains his body, Mike navigates his failing dugout canoe through the treacherous waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and along the wild and unforgiving coastline of Cape York. From crocodile defence tactics, to calamitous canoe failure, to fishing with adapted Indigenous tools, Modern-Day Castaway journals Mike’s epic struggle for survival.

"Adventurer and survival expert Mike Atkinson will take you on a journey you will never forget."
-Luke Richmond, author of One Life One Chance.

Modern Day Castaway has 264 pages and includes 125 photos and drawings that depict; This is a truly unique book. A cross between Tom Hanks Castaway (although this story is real, not fiction!), a genuine shipwrecked sailor’s tale and Mike’s awe-inspiring journey of discovery.

280 pages, Paperback

Published July 18, 2023

Reviews

[Luke Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This bloke is the real deal. No gimmicks or fan fare, just incredible skills and a desire for adventure. Great read.

[Daniel Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have spent most of the book waiting for Mike to die in some sort of catastrophic way if I hadn't of known that he wrote it.
Nail biting and hair raising, inspiring and impressive. It's detailed, so be prepared, but that's what I want when I'm reading an account of an adventure because he explains all the challenges and difficulties that we know exist but sometimes think that some people manage to avoid. Well Mike sure doesn't avoid any pitfalls, instead he falls in to every possible problem then uses his incredible perseverance, skills and experience to get himself out again.
I thought Mike was unlucky on Alone, now I know why, he was incredibly lucky to survive this epic trip so the scales had to balance somehow. Then again Mike believes you make your own luck and on reflection and after watching his enormous preparation on YouTube and Plan A, B, C and all the way to Z I tend to agree with him.
I really enjoyed the history intertwined with the indigenous perspective and the environmental conservation message under scoring it all. And the fact that my copy came with a little piece of the canoe makes it all the much better! Unreal read, get it.

[Harlan Marriott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent real life survival adventure with some superb insights into Australian culture, history and survival. Well written and a highly recommend reading.

[Bres · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing adventure undertaken by the author (who equally must have an amazing wife to support such a mad venture). To sail the Great Barrier Reef based on a shipwrecked survivor from the mid1800s and wondering if there was a way to 'escape' is a bold move. I can't help but wonder how much luck was involved... swimming to seek food, in waters where crocs exist, is a sign of the desperation the author was in at times of maybe the degradation of his decision making as the adventure took its toll on him. It certainly highlights how comfortable our modern lives are when one strips away modern tools and conveniences. Congrats on completing the adventure. The book itself became a bit repetitive for me, and the fact there is a book removes any wondering if he'll survive the challenge. Still it's not a novel it's a diary of an adventure and for that it does the job.

[Jennie Mayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

For an adventurer, pilot and survivalist Mike is a brilliant author. Chapter one hooks you right in to find out how he is going to overcome his perilous predicament. A really interesting and easy read, with fascinating history and facts. The practical methods of planning, executing, analysing and then rectifying any issues that we saw from Mike on Alone has got him through some incredible adventures in his lifetime- I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next!!! Highly recommend this for anyone who loves or needs a bit of adventure in their lives!

[Peter Illidge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern day castaway is a great read. Cut to the bone experience in some of the most challenging country in Australia, lack of water, food and an ever present threat of being eaten by something, drowned or set adrift at sea. Mikes open account of the emotional strain of such an adventure is heart rendering. Few have truly experienced this form of survival and survived. Mikes endurance under the pressure of so many negatives, dangers etc is bountifully put into this book for us armchair adventurers to savour.

[Pretty 007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Mike's adventure in his dugout canoe.
As a non-native speaker I didn't understand all of the words used to describe the different parts of the vessel, but I didn't feel like I missed out on anything. Mike did a terrific job at bringing me along for his 1500km journey and I felt like a drone myself, trailing his canoe through thick and thin.
I can't wait to see the film and I will forever treasure the souvenir I received along with the book: a little piece of wood from the Salty Kangaroo itself!

[Simeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely thrilling read. I've loved watching everything that he's made and done so far so I was very excited read about this adventure and it did not disappoint. I had trouble putting it down. An honest and thorough account of an intense adventure.
Mike lays out the details and background of his adventures in an easy to read manner while telling you about how he felt and the struggles that he endured. You'll love it and be excited for what he has coming next!

[Colin Amery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, I felt like I was on the boat with him!
For most of us, driving to the Cape would be adventure enough, Not Mike, He has to build a canoe and provision it as if he was living in the 18th century, then sail it thousands of kilometres through crocodile infested waters, all while ignoring the distractions of our modern lives.
I highly recommend this modern day castaways book, and look forward to his next adventure.

[Laura smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must purchase for anyone who has an inkling for adventure. Initially bought this to be organised for Father’s Day but the nerd in me couldn’t help myself. How one person can survive, let alone thrive in the wilderness is beyond me but Mike explains it in such a way that you will start looking at camping gear online. Loved the book, add it to cart.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down. Michael’s skills at making stuff on Alone Australia were so incredible that I had to read his book. Really interesting insight into the impact of European settlement on first Australians and the environment and his bravery and self belief as he takes on this incredible adventure is really inspiring.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Very inspiring. Eye-opening to true Australia and our indigenous population.

[Simon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dull

[Tom Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, it's a very no nonsense retelling of his experiences that shares so much knowledge. Hope to read more from him in the future and see how his writing can progress and explore new ideas.

[Pretty 007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Mike's adventure in the Salty Kangaroo.
As a non-native speaker I didn't understand all of the terms used to describe the different parts of the vessel, but I didn't feel like I missed out on anything. Mike did a terrific job at bringing me along for his 1500km journey and I felt like a drone myself, trailing his canoe through thick and thin.
I can't wait to see the film!

[Andrew Barley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Mike does a great job of making you feel like you’re there alongside him, feeling the fear, joy and exhilaration. Great descriptions of the scenery. Love the respect that Mike has for indigenous people which shines through in the book.

[Diane Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A raw adventure

I cannot believe anyone would put themselves through such hardship, but I found the book entertaining and was 'with' Mike on many an occasion.