Tim Shaddock and Bella's Pacific Rescue Had a Second Ending for the Dog

The helicopter found a catamaran in the Pacific, with Australian sailor Tim Shaddock and his dog Bella aboard. A crew from the Mexican tuna boat María Delia brought them to safety on July 12, 2023.

Their rescue became an international story about months at sea, raw fish and rainwater. But some early accounts overstated how cut off Shaddock had been. And Bella's story didn't end with a trip to Australia: she found a new home with one of the rescuers.

A Voyage Toward French Polynesia

Shaddock and Bella left Mexico in April 2023, intending to reach French Polynesia. He later described a storm and damage during the voyage, followed by hunger, fatigue and time spent trying to repair things aboard.

He was at sea for roughly three months before the rescue.

Food, Water and a Working Connection

Shaddock said he caught fish and ate them raw, with rain supplying drinking water. He later told El País he'd also taken canned food and rice aboard before leaving.

ABC's Media Watch later highlighted something many rescue reports had missed: Shaddock told Nine News he checked in with his sister at sunrise and sunset. He used a Garmin device. Describing him as having no way to communicate leaves out that connection with his family.

The Fishing Crew Reached Them

A helicopter working with the María Delia spotted Shaddock's boat. The pilot dropped him a drink, and a small boat came to take him and Bella to the tuna vessel. They reached Manzanillo, Mexico, on July 18.

Shaddock spoke to reporters there about the difficult days and his relief at being ashore.

Bella Stayed With a Rescuer

Shaddock chose crew member Genaro Rosales to adopt Bella, on the condition that he cared for her. She stayed in Mexico rather than returning to Australia with the sailor.

In a later El País interview, Shaddock described how Rosales and another crew member cared for a wound under Bella's front leg. Bella survived the voyage and left it with someone who had already helped care for her.