In 1864, the Grafton and the Invercauld were wrecked on opposite ends of Auckland Island, a desolate patch of land in the sub-Antarctic. Stranded just miles apart, the two crews fought to survive the same brutal environment—but in total ignorance of each other’s presence.

What followed was a stunning divergence in fate. One crew built shelter, rationed supplies, and held together. The other descended into disorder, starvation, and death.

This is the true story of two parallel disasters—and the haunting question of what made the difference between survival and ruin.