At the end of summer in 2017, Edward Potter and his first mate Carl Sheperd headed out from Florida into the Gulf of Mexico for a fishing trip. While at sea, Hurricane Irma struck, leaving Edward and Carl at the mercy of high winds and huge waves. As the boat started to sink, they were told that the coastguard were unable to help. Their only chance of rescue was a more unusual source, a large cruise ship. The captain in charge, Gaetano Gigliotti, recently won the 'International Maritime Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea" for his actions.

Image: satellite image of Hurricane Irma

Credit: BBC