RESCUE AT SEA: Fishermen Reunite With the Girl They Saved 35 Years Ago, the Sole Survivor of Six 

When she says “I’m Desiree”.... everyone in the world starts crying 😢 10:09

Desiree is my niece. I was 15 years old at the time when this tragedy struck. Losing my sister, my brother-in-law, and my 5 year old niece all at the same time was devastating to say the least. Desiree shared the initial podcast with me and I was excited to hear about the reunion. Watching this video brought me to tears. Brought back a lot of memories and emotions. I didn't realize Desiree remembered so many details. I never asked to spare her any pain of reliving that horrific time in her life. Hearing how my sister and the others passed played so differently in my head all these years due to the limited information we had. I have no doubt God steered these wonderful captains in her direction so she would survive. He had and has a purpose for her life. She is a special woman, wonderful mommy, and a great wife. I'm so proud of her and proud to call her my niece. Love you to pieces Des.

You can tell those two men have loved that little girl all of those years, wanting to know that she is ok.

My uncle was on this boat..Allen Wheeler, which was Desiree uncle as well. My middle name is named after him...Joseph Allen Wheeler... Thank you for saving her!!

Why do i punish myself by rewatching the "I'm Desiree" scene over and over and bawling my eyes out.

As soon as he says "This is not a translator" the guys understand already. What a moment.

Tiktok brought me here... and it was worth it! Beautiful story and reunion. Thank you for sharing your story 🥰

that hug must’ve felt like the world for them 😭

There's nothing better in the world than watching two grown ass tough men crying with joy.

Man how she kept it together the whole interview I’ll never know.

The faces of recognition at 9:59 it’s like if the world’s weight was lifted off their shoulders. One of the most beautiful full circle moments I’ve ever seen. What a privilege to hear her story FROM her, and an honor to meet these humble heroes. I hope they’ll get to live a fulfilling happy life

god, the way she said "i remember my mom foaming at the mouth." the fact that she tried to save her uncle and couldn't hold on to him. that poor little girl had to watch them all pass away. i can't imagine.

it's amazing how Desiree controlled her emotion until she introduced herself to them..damn , such a heartfelt story . 😁

She grew up to be a beautiful women with a beautiful family, I’m feeling so thankful for the 2 fisherman’s , I’m glad they got to see her again.

This one of those golden nuggets of youtube, what a beautiful thing that was.

The fact that these guys tried so hard to find Desiree to see how she was after all these years and just know that she was ok speaks VOLUMES of the level of integrity and character that these two men have. Hero's certainly comes to mind when it describes these two and everyone else involved in the rescue.

I am 66 years old and THIS is the BEST VIDEO. Just Amazing.

Absolutely crushing when she recalled each event. 😢 Unimaginable for an adult let alone a 9 year old.

I feel like her Aunt keeping her busy and moving and laughing kept her literally warm in temperature and soul. Glad you all got some foreclosure.

She lost family but gained two more family members. I am just really glad they were able to meet each other while they still had the chance

They cried. She cried. I cried.

Podcast guy must feel so good about himself making this happen. Awesome. Be proud my friend 👍 this is gold

Mark and Paul were telling a story they've told hundreds and hundreds of times. They were telling what happened but still trying to be modest. Their reactions were just pure joy.

I don’t know if I’ll ever stop watching this video. Over 2 years I’ve come back so many times!

This should be a movie

What she went through is unfathomable. May she have nothing but happiness and love the rest of her life. And what incredible heroes. It was awesome to be able to see the reunion. Bless all of them!

Estoy aquí llorando por los Cotorros.

Loved the podcast!. Desiree used to be my work partner a few years back. I never knew her story. Recently my wife has become super close friends to Desriee and I heard about the strory. But to hear it on this podcast had me in awe and in tears. God works in mysterious ways. 🙏 .

8:30 When Mark is trying to explain how it felt and Desiree finishes his sentences. They both remember exactly how it felt to be in the water that night and will probably never forget it. What a sad yet captivating story but I'm so glad there could be such a wholesome reunion from it. Thank you for sharing the moment with all of us as well.

I have not seen Mark or Paul in many years... since my ex husband worked for them on the Independence. Their heroism does not surprise me, nor does their humility about it. They look pretty much the same as well lol! Very awesome, and typical of the type of gentlemen they are this brought tears to my eyes.

I saw the clip on tiktok and I knew instantly I needed to see the whole story. A devastating and beautiful story all in one. This is humanity at its rawest and realest.

You can see Paul's heart drop when Desiree said the accident happened in the evening and he realized she'd been in the water all night. :'( And the way he smiles when she talks about her kids is like a proud father. ❤️ So glad they were all able to meet again.

My son will be 10 in Jan. I couldn't imagine that being him alone in the water like that. I'm a 30 year old hillbilly who likes to think I'm pretty tough and cried like a baby watching this. I just can't even imagine being in any of yalls shoes. Crazy how life works out. Great podcast. Thanks for posting this.

These men have such radiant hearts. They are such beautiful men. And the way that Desiree kept the secret for such a long time in that meeting, wow!!!! God bless all of them and may their beautiful, resilient selves have deeply rewarding lives!

eyes of capt strasser at 9:59 when he realized who really was sitting in front of him

Happy tears! ❤

These are real men, who have not shame in crying!

Wife and I was in tears, when “Raquel”said “I’m Desiree,” 😭 God Bless Desiree and the captains. Mahalo for sharing. 🤙🏽

I knew when it was coming. I knew exactly what was going to happen. Still I'm sobbing with happiness from their relief. They worried and wondered about her for every one of those 35 years. The gentleman sitting closer to the host figured it out but waited on her to speak before getting fully excited. This is a beautiful story of luck and survival that got to grow up into thankfulness and love. Those men became her uncles that day, it's so nice to see their reunion.

If I saw this woman on the street I would never imagine something so traumatic happened to her. I’m happy she is still here today.

I don't know how she held her emotions back sitting across these men. Must of taken every ounce of strength. Until she couldn't.. when she said I'm Desiree.. man, even I wanted to give her a big hug

One of the greatest surprises I’ve seen, these dudes had no clue until the reveal lol

I go on the Independence boat regularly and have for many years . I have known these two for a long time and they are just the best . I never knew this story but I am not surprised. Mark and Paul are indeed heroes . I am so proud to know them .

Probably the best thing I have seen in a very long time. Watched it over and over. Powerful.

“I’m Desiree” Wow. I wasn’t ready for this emotional rollercoaster. What an amazing story of survival. All four folks on this podcast make this world a better place. And shoutout to Tissue Box Man!

Just drifted by ~ saw your post and got anchored. I'm humbled by what you did. And the beautiful life you saved for this world. Words fail, guys.

Very late to the party on this one but still had to comment. This was truly beautiful. What an emotional story. Made this old boy shed some tears on that reveal. Thank God and best wishes to all evolved!

This video is a treasure of a find. This was a random video on my feed. I’m so glad I watched this. It’s nice to know real heroes exist. And she’s delightful. Thank you for sharing that incredible story.

I think my favorite part of this is that they were able to fill in parts of the story which were a mystery to one another for three-and-a-half decades. I can only imagine how many questions each of them had for one another. I know it's been over two years since this was released and I wonder if Desiree and the Captains still keep in touch and meet up. I can tell there is a bond there and I would love to hear that.

This is one of the most incredible, devastating and uplifting stories I've ever heard. How she was able to survive for over 20 hours in the water is unbelievable, and then to finally be rescued by these heroes, wow!

WOW!!! I know Desiree and Nick and her story.. and this is amazing how it all came together. I've been in tears watching this and can't believe you guys all found each other again. This needs to be a movie. What a blessing for all. Higher Power for Sure!!!!

So amazing! I read the LA Times article that came out today. What an incredible story. And then to watch them reunite...so many tears!

Wow I had to pause it at 11:00 into this video it just turned me upside down and brought tears. Wow can't wait to hear the rest of the story. There should be a documentary about this story. I just want to thank the captain's for there instinct action they took God bless them 🙏🙏🙏

The call to go to the west end vs the east end going home was a god send for sure. It’s not the normal way to head home.

Holly Molly!!!my eyes welled up with tears being myself a merchant sailor for 12 years

This is one of the most powerful videos I've ever seen. Felt every emotion and more. These two men are heroes. What an absolutely amazing but heart wrenching story. I could tell how much those details you learned have drove you crazy. AMAZING.

Here after "all things internet" video channel ... ❤️❤️❤️😭😭😭🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 God bless good people in this world ❤️❤️❤️💐💐💐

These two men are so close. They are family. And their family just got a lot larger. A lot of love to share for the rest of all their lives.

Good to have this in my cry quiver. My tolerance is pretty high on military homecomings now so I have to do a lot of scrolling for my emotional payoff. This nails it.

I cannot believe how powerful this is. I can't stop replaying this. I'm just blown away seeing this side of humanity, especially after the last 3 years we have all lived through. Absolutely amazing clip. These two are angels walking the earth and no one can ever tell me otherwise. Talk about restoring your faith in humanity!!! Unreal. I will book a trip to fish with their company just to support these two American heroes! And Desiree looks amazing. What a story!!

Also here from Tiktok and I’m so glad I am. This story is incredible had me in tears, god truly does exist. May he bless them all 💙

I'm a landlocked midwesterner here in Kansas City but this is one of the best shows I've ever sing. And struggling to figure out what to teach my kids at church and I got to say this is it most important thing in life is to people nice work!

So beautiful. A moment building for 35 years for all three of them, and it could not have been more perfect.

Amazing story and podcast. How Desiree kept her composure before the reveal is phenomenal! But wow the emotions are wonderful and intense!

My friend, mi amigo Phil, I was in tears the entire podcast. I believe God brought you back to the United States for a reason. To get back to our fishing industry and to reunite Desiree with her rescuers. God bless you, and God bless all fishing captains and their crew willing to risk their lives to save one. Thank you for sharing this story!

TikTok brought me here and now I’m crying. 😭🙏❤️

They genuinely care you can tell when they burst out in tears when they find out it’s her

I keep coming back to this video when I'm feeling low. It's amazing how it always picks me up. It dawned on me that what Mark and Paul did was more than saving Desiree. They also saved the lives that came after her - her kids, her grandkids, and beyond. The good things they and their descendants will do in the world all stem from that one act. It's crazy to think about how many lives are better off because Mark and Paul were there that day. Again, big thanks to Phil (?) who put this video together. It's easily my favorite video on RU-vid.

A heartbreaking story, an unbelievable rescue, and a heartwarming reunion. Just amazing.

How many times I back it up to hear him slap the table 😰

I've watched this in its entirety like 3 times in the last year. What an amazing story and a beautiful reunion!

Although I now live in Italy, I've been to Catalina many times, and am also a licenced skipper. You guys made me cry too. Jesus. All of you show the world that there is hope for humanity. What a video, what a story. Grazie

I love the fact that when they're told "She's not a translator", they knew exactly who she was. It's like they recognized her in some part of their mind the whole time and I love that.

10:00 From the expression, he (the one in the blue cap) somehow imagined what was to come. Congratulations to them.

i remember this story being on the news when i was a teenager, was a huge story as i live in northern ontario, canada and still heard of it as it was reported. Im stunned to have found this update all these years later, amazing and awesome to see them meet again and fill in some of the questions they had for each other....unbelievable and very touching

She lost her whole family and was 9. Desiree you are a miracle and these men was sent to you from a very high power. I’m glad they met and I hope they continue to keep a relationship. Making a grown man cry.

The internet is a fascinating thing. I saw a tiktok and i immediately searched for this podcast episode and now I’m sobbing like they were my family members. This story touched me so much and I loved the lead up. Amazing

It’s often overlooked but first responders or rescuers also suffer versions of trauma, often seeing the aftermath of tragedy firsthand. Mark and Paul had likely put all that aside for years, this was a great release and therapy for them too.

I am a former commercial tuna fisherman (eastern tropical and western Pacific) now living in Japan, this video leaves me speechless. I was unaware of the story until now. Thank you for presenting it here.

For such an emotional story between these three you did an amazing job hosting this dude. You let them run the conversation and added good points when needed. Phil you handled this extremely well.

I could watch that moment 100 times.. and I think I might have🧡

I had a similar situation. I did two tours in Vietnam doing medevac duty. My last mission, we rescued three guys from live combat. The MASH doctors didn't think they'd make it. A few years ago, I took my 4 adult daughters to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall. All three of those guys were there alive and well. Needless to say, that it was a tearful reunion.

I used to watch news all the time. Now I just watch things like this. Makes me much happier.

The real is a hero , GOD BLESS YOU

I've shared this video with people that lived in and around the LA area back when this happened, they said that they knew about it then however now, to hear the whole story, to listen to Desiree, the heros that saved her, it's simply an AMAZING story no matter how many times one watches it!!! She suffered greatly and most would not have survived, now, to listen to her, the story itself, everyone that watches this is in a sense was with her through it in a tiny way, as awful as it was somehow now with what Phil has done, it brings a lot of JOY to watch the story, a major-league "feel good" story now all the years later. All fine people right there!!!!

To see the child you save as little girl Now a grown woman You gave her ,her life back Her Future ,teenage, marriage kids

This needs to be made into a movie! Incredible story!

17:28 The face they both make after finding out that Desiree was the one who tied her mother's corpse to the boat was incredibly telling. I don't know what image they had of Desiree's experience that night, but after finding that out and that she was out there for almost 24 hours, they seemed amazed at just how strong of a person she is (as am I). What an absolute fighter, I can't imagine the courage and resilience that must have taken, especially at that age. I hope all involved have found some peace.

As tragic as this story is, it really is a beautiful to know this reunion brought them all such peace. Amazing.

Those two captains are Angels ❤

Wow she still remembers what happened that night :( she must have loving family behind to her to survive the trauma

This was a Divine Miracle no question about it. God Bless you Desiree. The Lord was watching over you. May the Lord Bless these two Men.

Desiree should get an Oscar for this performance.

"Who saves one life, saves a world entire."

We are all pebbles tossed in a calm pond... We don't have any idea how far or the pattern that the ripples of our lives are going to reach. Every day we never know how many lives we are going to touch when we walk out the door. We pride ourselves on being individuals and to a certain respect we are. However, we are also imprinted by our environment and the people in it. We are a "collage" of people that are in our lives, some more remembered then others. It can be summed up in one statement. "You never know what this day is going to bring, expect the unexpected, cuz your likely to get it"!

Tiktok brought me here. Wow! Definitely HEROES guys!! Kudos to everyone involved with her rescue!! 🙏🏾❤❤

What a heart wrenching story. 💔

Oh these sweet guys just burst into tears, that’s so beautiful ❤

Could u imagine... for 35 years, wondering from time to time, and thinking about allllll the time that went by between then and this day, and to all the sudden but hit with this surprise that the girl u saved 35 yrs ago is sitting right in front of u.... wow

From a tragic accident springs forth a very emotional and beautiful reunion, years in the making! 😭