The weeks turned into months and the struggle to survive became harder. Their clothes started to rot deteriorate,too. They were even surrounded by sharks at one point. Towards the end of the third mount,they became so sunburnt and dehydrated they could hardly move. Maurice Bailey was filled with misery and resignation. He said that the reason they survived was because of his wife's obstinacy and determination. 'She kept morale high when I flagged, 'he recalled. 'When I was prepared to give up hope,she was there beside me.