New Book Chronicles Diver's 17-Hour Survival Ordeal in the Atlantic Ocean

Allyson Aaron's 'Never Give Up' documents the true story of Christopher Bugros and his fight for survival off the coast of Trinidad

NEW YORK, Nov. 4, 2026 — A routine spearfishing excursion in April 2019 turned into an extraordinary fight for survival when Trinidadian diver Christopher Bugros was pulled away by violent underwater currents and stranded in open waters for more than 17 hours.

In "Never Give Up: The Christopher Bugros Story," author Allyson Aaron details Bugros' ordeal navigating exhaustion, dehydration, and disorienting nocturnal conditions in the Atlantic Ocean after losing contact with his dive boat. Drawing upon guidance instilled by his father, Bugros shed nonessential equipment, converted his air tank into a makeshift flotation aid, and relied on natural surface currents to drift toward shore before landing on an isolated coastline in northeastern Trinidad.

"The important thing is to hang in there until your circumstances change for the better," said Bugros, "just as I stayed on course in the water and did not give up until my circumstances changed. No matter how difficult your challenges are or how depressed you become, don't give up."

Beyond Bugros' survival story, Aaron provides insights of Trinidad and Tobago's marine ecosystem, coral reefs, and bioluminescent marine phenomena, as well as the regional cultural background that shaped the search-and-rescue response by friends, family, and local authorities.

"I hope this account illustrates how determination can sustain an individual through extreme adversity and encourage anyone confronting profound obstacles to keep moving forward," said Aaron.

"Never Give Up: The Christopher Bugros Story"
By Allyson Aaron
ISBN: 9798823062251 (softcover); 9798823062244 (hardcover); 9798823062237 (electronic)
Available at AuthorHouse, Amazon and Barnes & Noble 

SOURCE AuthorHouse