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13 tales of survival from around the world

These survivors experienced extraordinary circumstances; hurricanes, tornadoes, and avalanches, and lived to tell the tale.

Canadian woman survives 49 days in the Nevada woods

Royal Canadian Mounted Police via The Canadian Press/AP
Rita Chretien and her husband Albert went missing en route to Las Vegas more than a month ago. Rita Chretien has been found alive Friday May 6, 2011 in a remote part of northeastern Nevada police say.

In March 2011, Canadian couple Al and Rita Chretien were driving to a trade show in Las Vegas, when their GPS led them astray.

Wanting a scenic route, they chose a road usually not used in the winter, but had no way of knowing the weather conditions. Their van became stuck in the mud in a remote area in Nevada. 

The couple attempted to dig out, but the axles of their van were buried, and, according to The Globe and Mail, they had no cellphone reception. The pair set off for help, but returned to the van when Mrs. Chretien's knee swelled and made walking difficult. After several days, Mr. Chretien set off alone, leaving his wife behind.

Mrs. Chretien survived in the van on the few snacks the couple had brought with them and water from a nearby stream. She had a few books, including her Bible, to read. She also kept a journal.

After 49 days, so weak she couldn't walk, Mrs. Chretien heard the sound of ATVs and flagged them down. She eventually made a full recovery.

Mr. Chretien's whereabouts were unknown for 18 months until hunters found his remains intact, about seven miles away from the van.

Mrs. Chretien told The Globe and Mail she took comfort in knowing her husband died peacefully. 

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Mark Sappenfield
Editor

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