Solo: Lost at Sea (2008)

Solo: Lost at Sea is a documentary directed by David Michod and Jennifer Peedom.

It narrates the remarkable and tragic story of Australian adventurer Andrew McAuley, who embarked on a solo kayak crossing from Tasmania to New Zealand—a treacherous 1600-kilometer stretch across the Southern Ocean, one of the most dangerous seas on Earth.

In January 2007, Andrew McAuley set out to achieve what many deemed impossible: becoming the first person to kayak from Australia to New Zealand. His journey unfolded amidst the complexities of wind, waves, and isolation.

The Southern Ocean, part of the Tasman Sea, presented a stark realm of plunging swells and relentless winds. McAuley’s resilience and determination were awe-inspiring as he navigated this perilous expanse.

After a month at sea, Andrew had endured all the difficulties—the solitude, the physical strain, and the mental toll. He faced a three-day Category 9 storm, battling towering waves and hurricane-force winds.

On February 9, 2007, New Zealand maritime authorities received his distress call, but tragically, they could not save his life. Andrew’s body was never recovered, lost to the depths of the Southern Ocean.

The heart of Solo lies in the recovered videotapes documenting Andrew’s journey. These tapes, along with footage of his meticulous preparation and interviews with his support crew, including his wife Vicki, form the foundation of this enthralling documentary.

Through these glimpses into Andrew’s life, viewers witness not only the physical challenges but also the emotional and psychological complexities of his solitary endeavor.

Solo is more than a tale of physical endurance; it’s a psychological portrait of McAuley’s unwavering determination. His quest to conquer the unknown—to claim a first—ultimately cost him his life.

The film serves as a testament to human resilience, the allure of the uncharted, and the stark reminder that some boundaries remain perilous and insurmountable.