Sole Shipwreck Survivor Finds Men Who Saved Her Life As A Child - 35 Years Later
A woman has reunited with her guardian angels almost four decades after their first meeting in a story guaranteed to get you in your feels.
Shipwrecked
Nine-year-old Desireé Rodriguez was on her dad's boat with her parents, aunt, uncle and sister in Catalina Island, Southern California.
That afternoon, the weather started to change as fog rolled in. Rodriguez went to sleep in the lower cabin and awoke to her father screaming that their boat was sinking.
She and her sister managed to escape through a window and into the ice-cold Pacific Ocean water.
In the hours that followed, the young girl watched as her family members disappeared into the ocean one by one.
Rescued
Nearby, best buds Captain Mark Pisano and Captain Paul Strasser were with their friends fishing for yellowtail. Strasser noticed something in the water and realized it was the bow of a boat.
They approached and noticed Rodriguez floating in the water. Pisano dove into the water and brought her aboard to safety as the men radioed for the Coast Guard. Sadly she was the sole survivor.
The story of Rodriguez's tragic accident along with the captains' brave rescue made national headlines. However, life went on and both the girl and her rescuers sailed their separate ways.
Strasser told the Los Angeles Times that while they always thought of Rodriguez, finding her felt like mission impossible.
"Desiree was a ghost. We saved her, she's out in the world. And that's all we know. We had no clues on anybody that knew how to get a hold of her"
- Paul Strasser
One fateful podcast
That all changed on an episode of "Friedman's Adventures," a podcast on fishing and the outdoors. There, host Phil Friedman had as guests none other than Strasser and Pisano.
When the two men recounted their wild aquatic rescue tale, Friedman tells People Magazine that it inspired him to action.
"My brain was like, 'I'm going to try to locate her.' We've got to finish this story!"
- Phil Friedman
He needed help. Enter "Friedman's Adventures" listener Pablo Peña.
The fishermen's story reminded him of a former co-worker who mentioned being the lone survivor of a boating accident.
However, when Pisano said her name, there was no doubt.
"I was like, holy moly. Wow, this is just surreal," he told People.
Reunited
With Peña helping Friedman find Rodriguez, Friedman planned an unforgettable surprise for the two fishermen.
To pull it off, Friedman invited Strasser and Pisano back to the show. However, this time they'd be joined by "Raquel," who was there to translate the episode into Spanish.
She sat quietly as the men retold their story at sea. Then, in a moment 35 years in the making, Friedman revealed Raquel's true identity (10 minutes into the episode).
"This is not a translator. I'll let her introduce herself to you"
- Phil Friedman
"I'm Desirée," responded 44-year-old Desirée Rodriguez.
Good deeds change lives
There wasn't a dry eye on set as everyone shared hugs. They then exchanged memories of that tragic day along with gratitude for finding each other.
As an added surprise, Rodriguez's husband and kids also came by the set to thank the men who saved Desirée.
Strasser says that they'll forever share a familial bond.
"I feel like she's sort of our daughter, in a way, because we brought her back to life, even though we never knew each other"
- Paul Strasser
Whether it's saving someone at sea or giving up your plane seat, kindness makes a lasting impact.
More uplifting news:
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.