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San Diego native who inspired "Adrift" movie shares her story

Posted at 11:26 PM, Jun 07, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-08 20:15:48-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV)-- The woman whose real-life survival story inspired the new "Adrift" movie grew up in San Diego and was back in town Thursday night, visiting the very restaurant she held her bon voyage party at before setting off on that fateful journey. 

It was at Bali Hai on Shelter Island that Tami Oldham Ashcraft and Richard Sharp said good-bye to family and friends back in 1983.

Not long after the two would be caught in a deadly hurricane while trying to sail back from Tahiti. 

While Ashcraft survived the ordeal, Sharp did not. after the storm passed she was left alone and adrift, wondering if she'd survive. 

She outlined the tale in her book, which was adapted for the big screen and released in theaters nationwide last week.

She says the film, starring Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin, stays very close to reality and was extremely emotional to watch.