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In January 1864, the five-man crew of the schooner Grafton wrecked off Auckland Island's coast and survived for 18 months. Led by French sailor Francois Rain and Captain Thomas Musgrave, the crew operated on a communal basis, shared resources, and worked together to create shelter, find food, and build a forge to manufacture tools. They constructed a sturdy dinghy, named 'Rescue', to navigate the 300-mile journey to New Zealand. Despite a violent storm, three crew members reached New Zealand, raised funds, and rescued the remaining two. The adventure was documented in books, inspiring literature such as Jules Verne's 'The Mysterious Island.' Their story is a testament to human resilience and cooperation.

00:00 The Wreck of the Grafton
00:38 Introduction and Host's Note
01:17 Setting Sail and Initial Challenges
03:30 Surviving the Wreck
06:30 Building a New Life
08:04 Desperation and Determination
08:32 The Escape Plan
10:25 The Rescue Mission
12:29 Aftermath and Legacy
13:37 Conclusion and Farewell

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