Regina man survives 3-day ordeal on B.C. island
Last Updated: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 | 9:49 PM CT
CBC News
Jordan Nicurity, 26, is in hospital in Vancouver recovering from severe injuries sustained in a hiking accident last month. (CBC)A Regina man considers himself lucky to be alive after being alone for three days on a small B.C. island with his bones broken and nothing to eat or drink.
Jordan Nicurity, 26, is in hospital in Vancouver, his pelvis broken in three places in a hiking accident last month.
The photographer told CBC News he had been climbing a rock face on Hornby Island when a chunk of sandstone broke off.
Nicurity fell six metres, injuring his right foot and shattering his pelvis.
Hornby Island is a small island in the Georgia Strait between Vancouver Island and mainland B.C. (CBC)It was a desperate situation. He couldn't walk, he had no food and water — just a "swallow of tea" in his Thermos — and no one knew where he was.
With no other option, he dragged himself to a walking path.
"I found a shell that was sitting on a picnic table that had collected some rain water," Nicurity said. "You know, it was pretty much Christmas when I found that."
By the third day, he had dragged himself up and over a four-metre incline of tree roots.
At one point, he couldn't feel his hands anymore, he said. But he kept going.
"You know, the second you give in and let yourself panic or whatever, you're as good as done. You're useless to yourself. So you keep pulling and fall where you may.… Hopefully you get yourself a few feet closer."
Finally, he spotted a group of hikers.
They didn't see him, so he dragged himself closer and tried to get their attention.
"I'm yelling at the top of my lungs," he said. "Finally, it was the last two people … and I see them stop and look."
The hikers followed the sound thinking it was a baby eagle.
He was rescued. Emergency medical help arrived and he was quickly taken to the hospital.
He's now dealing with a number of injuries, including his pelvis and nerve damage to his foot.
He's also had surgery for internal injuries.
Nicurity is hoping to be well enough soon to come home. After that, the recovery period is expected to be about 18 months.
"You know, I'm just so lucky," he said. "If this is the worst I get away with, that's fine by me."
