Not Dead, Just Sort of Forgetful

[Christian Williams]

An Italian catamaran came upon a ragged boat with a single sailor aboard.

Who are you? they asked. Do you need assistance?

I can't remember, he said. But...yes.

https://www.boatandboats.com/magazine/castaway-with-no-memory.html

 

[toddster]

This case was discussed on one of the forums a few months ago. There was some report (or speculation?) that it was a case of metabolic encephalopathy. (Possibly also implicated in the disappearance of another sailor in the Pacific earlier this year.) I've encountered this in my aging relatives with Type 2 diabetes. It can come on very suddenly due to various stresses. At which point one no longer hydrates or takes one's medication correctly and things start to spiral out of control. Almost like a stroke. Recovery is possible, but slow and requires significant medical intervention. For a lone sailor at sea - virtually impossible. This guy was very fortunate to be rescued. Something to consider as we get older.