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Survival Stories

In times of struggle and strife, humanity always finds a way. When the the clock runs low and the chips are down, these unbelieavable stories of survival will remind you of the strength of the human spirit.

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How a 9/11 Survivor and His Son Bravely Rescued a Pilot from Icy Waters

When a small plane crashes into a frozen creek, kayakers must navigate the ice to save the pilot


Meet the Man Who Survived 16+ Hours at Sea After His Boat Capsized

This is his amazing story of survival and strength


Meet the Man Who Fought a 350-Pound Black Bear to Save His Dog

He would do anything to save his pup—even square up with one of nature's biggest beasts


Welcoming Ukrainian Refugees: 13 Stories That Will Renew Your Faith in Humanity

Instead of waiting to figure out the "right" way to help, these people jumped into action to help Ukrainian refugees...

These Four People Were Faced with Death and Lived to Tell Their Stories

When faced with certain death, you need bravery, determination, and plenty of luck.


I Was Stalked with an Apple AirTag—Here’s What I Wish I’d Known

Tech aimed at making our lives easier is now the perfect stalking tool—and it's terrifying

This Expert Skier Survived Two Avalanches After Hitting the Slopes

Caught in a massive avalanche and buried alive under a blanket of snow, Ken Scott knew death was just a...


13 Powerful Things Surviving a Terrorist Attack Taught Me About Life

Here's how I learned to see the good in a world that can seem, at times, to be horrifically evil.


I Survived 9/11—These Are the 13 Questions Young People Ask Me the Most

Twelve-years-old at the time of the attack, the author survived, and so did her family—but she soon realized 9/11 was...


How an 18-Year-Old Helped Save a Hiker Who Fell 75 Feet Off a Mountain Cliff

An 18-year-old went on a hike with his mom—and returned home a hero. Here's how his quick actions saved...


When a Medevac Plane Couldn’t Land Because the Runway Lights Were Out an Entire Village Used T...

“Any time a plane flies over that late, you know something is wrong.”


This Woman Was Trapped in Her Car on an Embankment for Days Before Concerned Neighbors Found Her

Trapped in her car down an embankment, Corine began to lose hope...


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How I Escaped from Cuba in 1969 in the Wheel Well of a Jet

This RD classic from 50 years ago tells the thrilling story of a teen who made
 a daring escape...


Here’s How I Survived a Shark Attack

Mike Coots was surfing with his buddies near his home in Kauai when he was attacked by a shark. He...


When 20 Miners Became Stranded in an Elevator Shaft, One Man Transported Them All to Safety

Below the trapped miners was an empty elevator shaft, 2,000 feet deep....


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5 Split-Second Decisions People Made That Saved Their Own Lives

Kidnapped at gunpoint? Cornered by a mountain lion? Stranded in a snowstorm? These everyday people saved their own lives with...