In 1974, Slava Kurilov, a professional oceanographer, felt trapped by the Soviet regime which refused him permission to travel abroad. To gain his freedom, he booked a spot on a "Cruise to Nowhere" on the liner Sovetsky Soyuz . Since the ship didn't dock at any foreign ports, no visas were required.

On the night of December 13, Kurilov jumped from the stern of the cruise ship into the shark-infested waters of the Pacific Ocean. Without food, water, or sleep, and carrying only a mask, snorkel, and fins, he swam for , covering approximately 100 kilometers (over 60 miles) before reaching the shores of the Philippine island of Siargao. Where to Read or Download

: What a person is willing to risk to live without boundaries.

: You can find official digital editions on platforms like Barnes & Noble or LitRes.

: Many digital libraries and "read-online" sites host the text. Searching for "Курилов Один в океане читать полностью" will lead you to several Russian-language archives that provide the full narrative. Why It's a "Long Text" Worth Reading

If you are looking for the FB2 version or a long-form text, several reputable platforms offer the book: