Ryan - Surviving The Boxing Day Tsunami

In today's episode, I meet Ryan. 20 years ago, on Boxing Day, 2004, over a quarter of a million people were killed, across 14 countries in the Indian Ocean Tsunami. At 11am, when the Tsunami hit Krabbi in Thailand, Ryan was snorkelling in the sea.

Ryan will be telling his story of survival, of how a dream holiday with his girlfriend and his friends turned into his worst nightmare. We discuss what happened that day, and its aftermath. His experience of being treated in a Thai hospital which was overrun and how fellow holidaymakers and local communities kicked in to action to help.

He also tells me about the long term physical and mental effects of the Tsunami and the importance of getting help, along with what he’s learnt about people and how they can be the light in the darkest of times.

We talked about -

• A detailed description of what happened when the Tsunami hit and the immediate aftermath.
• The terrifying experience of losing his girlfriend and friend
• His injuries and the fight against bacteria that had never been seen before
• His experiences in an Thai hospital that was completely overrun, the language barrier and stories of the kindness of people
• Their decision to hire a speed boat rather than a long tail boat that saved lives.
• His unique journey to the Bangkok hospital
• The kindness of people and how people are mostly good
• The importance of seeking help and allowing yourself to be supported
• PTSD and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• How nature brings peace
• Survivors Guilt

Thanks to Ryan Kelly for sharing his story and Abi Kelly for making it happen.

Thanks to Jamie Moore and Bryher Williams for their input.

Location: NoStar Studios - https://nostars.uk

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CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this podcast features themes of death and graphic descriptions of injury.

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