Watch: Film depicts Doncaster triple amputee's ocean voyage

An inspirational new film telling the incredible story of a Doncaster triple amputee former soldier who sailed across the Pacific Ocean has been released.

Ex-Rifleman Craig Wood made history when he became the world’s first triple amputee to sail solo, non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean last year.

He sailed from Puerto Vallarta in Mexico to Hiroshima in Japan covering 7,506 nautical miles in 90 days and raising £55,000 for charity along the way.

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The film, titled Single Handed, launched exclusively on YouTube and captures 35- year-old Craig’s extraordinary courage and determination as he navigates the journey.

The film offers an opportunity to hear directly from Craig about the physical and mental demands of the expedition aboard his 41-foot catamaran, Sirius II, the obstacles he faced when his boat became damaged and he broke his prosthetic arm, but also the peace and spirituality behind his determination to get to the finish line and be reunited with his growing family.

Throughout the expedition he battled unpredictable weather; sleep deprivation and isolation - all whilst managing the additional challenges associated with his injuries.

He was posted to Afghanistan shortly after his 18th birthday and it was just three months into his first tour when his life was to change forever.

Craig lost both legs and his left hand in an IED (improvised explosive device) bomb blast on July 30th, 2009. He also suffered two collapsed lungs, lost 27 pints of blood and his face was ravaged by shrapnel.

It took eight months for Craig to learn to walk again and four-and-a-half years of rehabilitation work at the dedicated Headley Court facility in Surrey to improve his quality of life.

About the film, Craig said: “A solo Pacific crossing is difficult in general, not just for a triple amputee but I wanted to show other disabled people what we can achieve because we’re not incapable, we’re disabled.

“In it, I talk about the preparations I made for the crossing, including a ‘Craig design’ airbag system made from six car airbags attached to the boat to avoid sinking if the boat became damaged and my anxiety about the mental toll the challenge will have on me.

“Ultimately, this film documents my journey towards appreciating my mind and it’s out-the-box thinking ability, how much resilience I have and this isn’t just about sailing. It’s about showing that even after being blown up, after losing your legs and your hand, life isn’t over. You can still do something that matters. It was an incredible experience and I hope it gives other disabled people a push to chase their dreams. You can sail your own ocean.”

Single Handed is available to stream exclusively on YouTube now at: Single Handed – Conquering the pacific