August 10, 1985, started as just another day of competitive sailing for Simon Le Bon , but it would end with the Duran Duran frontman staring death in the face beneath the waters off the English coast. Forty years later, the 66-year-old singer's survival story remains one of the most dramatic rescues in maritime history.

The Bushey, England native was competing in the prestigious Fastnet yacht race aboard his 78-foot yacht "Drum" when disaster struck. The boat's experimental keel suddenly broke away from the hull, causing the massive vessel to capsize and trap Le Bon and five crew members in an air pocket beneath the overturned boat.

For what felt like an eternity – nearly 40 minutes – the men fought for survival as their lungs filled with a deadly mixture of diesel fumes and battery

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