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Beyond the Horizons

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Beyond the Horizons, by Capt. Salinlal, is a story about rescue at sea.

A massive container ship, the MV Kurasova, sets sail from Long Beach, California to Auckland, New Zealand with her crew of well-trained officers and seaman, led by the dynamic and experienced Captain Bijoy. The crew hail from different countries but embody the same sense of duty and love of the sea and possess the indomitable courage and thirst for adventure that only sailors have.
Simultaneously, two elderly gentlemen, Christy and Willy, life-long friends from New Zealand on a six-week holiday in South America, set sail from Mexico in a yacht called Odessey, intent on becoming the first Kiwis to cross the mighty Pacific Ocean in such a tiny vessel and reach Auckland. Helping them in their endeavor is an experienced sailor named Juan, who is their pilot and navigator. Both vessels set sail with their contrasting crew and capabilities to traverse the treacherous Pacific.

Towards the end of its journey, the Odessey suffers an equipment malfunction in the middle of the night, resulting in an explosion on board, ultimately leading to the sinking of the yacht. Christy, Willy, and Juan manage to escape on a fragile life raft, with Juan getting badly injured. They use an emergency signaling device to send out data of their location, hoping someone will receive it and come to their rescue.

The signal is received by the alert personnel at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Germany, who immediately send a message to the vessel nearest to the location of the stranded seafarers of the erstwhile Odyssey, which happens to be the MV Kurasova. Upon receiving the message, Captain Bijoy decided to mount a rescue mission. They arrive at the location in near-complete darkness, stormy weather, and choppy waters—factors that make even locating the tiny life raft almost impossible, let alone saving its occupants.

Ultimately, they manage to locate the life raft, and initiate a dangerous operation, which requires perfect coordination, high levels of skill, delicate handling of the massive container ship to keep it from crashing into the life raft, and loads of courage on the part of the four crew members, led by Chief Officer Gregory, who have to physically rescue the three men in the life raft, one of whom is immobile. The rescue is completed successfully, and Christy, Willy, and Juan are reunited with their respective families.

The book has an epilogue, set two years after the rescue mission, which depicts a celebratory party organized by Christy and Willy in Auckland to honor the heroes of the MV Kurasova. The party is enlivened by good food, drink, music, and company. Christy and Willy prevail upon some of their guests to share interesting stories from their seafaring journeys, which they do. The diverse tales related by the crewmembers of the MV Kurasova evoke a range of emotions in the audience, from laughter to sadness, empathy, and even horror.

220 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2024

About the author

Captain Salinlal is a mariner, dreamer, and storyteller who embodies the spirit of adventure.

Hailing from a small village in South India, he transformed his childhood dreams into a life spent sailing the world's oceans. Every voyage that he undertakes adds vibrant tales and cultural treasures to his repertoire, inspiring readers to embrace the extraordinary.

When not navigating uncharted waters, he crafts enchanting stories, drawing from the faces he has encountered and the wonders he has discovered along the way. Join him on an unforgettable journey where the horizon is just the beginning and the impossible becomes reality!

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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Profile Image for Bookswithavinish.
1,727 reviews49 followers
March 29, 2025
'Beyond The Horizons' by CAPT. Salinlal.S is a gripping maritime adventure that immerses readers in the perilous yet exhilarating life of a sailor. With an evocative narrative style, the book captures the raw essence of life at sea - the unpredictability of the ocean, the psychological and physical challenges faced by sailors, and the unyielding human spirit that pushes them forward even in the direst circumstances.

"Beyond The Horizons" is not just about sailing; it is about survival. The book poses profound question : What happens when you are teetering on the edge of despair? How do you find the will to keep going when the odds seem insurmountable? Through thrilling storytelling, Capt.Salinlal.S crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, highlighting moments of fear, resilience and hope.

One of the book's strongest aspects is it's ability to transport the reader into the heart of the ocean. The descriptions of the sea's unpredictable temperament, the intricacies of ship life, and the camaraderie among sailors are painted with a level of detail that speaks to the author's firsthand experience. Readers can almost hear the crashing waves, feel the salty wind against their skin, and sense the looming danger lurking beneath the surface.

Beyond just an adventure novel, the book serves as an homage to the men and women who brave the seas. It captures the age-old allure of maritime life - the thrill of discovery, the longing for distant horizons and the personal sacrifices made along the way. It reminds us that, while technology has transformed modern seafaring, the essence of a sailor's journey remains unchanged : an insatiable thirst for adventure and the courage to face the unknown.

For readers who enjoy maritime adventures, survival stories, or narratives that explore the depths of human resilience, "Beyond The Horizons" is a must read. It delivers a compelling and heartfelt account of life at sea, filled with moments of intense suspense and profound reflection.

Whether you are drawn to tales of the ocean or simply appreciate stories of endurance and triumph, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Must read♥️♥️
Profile Image for Bestbookhunter.
629 reviews19 followers
March 10, 2025
#bookreview

This book, "Beyond the Horizons" is an absorbing maritime adventure. A book that covers both the technical reality and emotional depth of life at sea.

This book is written by Captain Salinlal, a seasoned mariner himself. The narrative is filled with his firsthand experiences with engaging storytelling which gives an immersive reading experience. 

The story starts with Captain Bijoy and his crew aboard the MV Kurasova and how they sail through the vast ocean and faces routine challenges and unexpected crises one after another. 

There's a lot more going in this book which culminated in the rescue of Christy and Willy, two elderly adventurers attempting to cross the Pacific. One of the book’s greatest strengths of this book is its realism.

All the more, from the serious planning discussions to lighthearted banter, this book has a lot to offer, be it, the technical aspects of ship navigation, passage planning, rescue operations, the camaraderie among the crew, engaging atmosphere and not to forget, the roaring ocean.

However, the beginners might find it difficult to go with an effortless flow while reading as there's some use of maritime terminology. But the adventure and challenges of seafaring, and character's stories will grip you till the very end.

Overall, it is an inspiring and well written novel. A fantastic read for both maritime professionals and general readers who enjoy tales of survival, leadership, and human resilience. A beautiful tribute to the indomitable spirit of sailors and the unpredictable beauty of the sea. A MUST READ 😇

Book : Beyond The Horizons
Author : Capt. Salinlal.S
Genre : #adventure #novel
Rating : 4.8/5
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews

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