A Grizzly Cooler became an unexpected lifeline when Hurricane Milton tore across the Gulf Coast of Florida with winds reaching 150 miles per hour and waves cresting at 25 feet, it left devastation in its path.
For commercial fisherman Joe Tessa, the storm was more than just another battle at sea. It was a fight for his life. Joe was captaining his boat when the hurricane’s full force struck. In the chaos, the vessel sank, leaving him stranded in open water with no life raft and no time to spare. With nothing but instinct and determination, he turned to the only thing available: a Grizzly Cooler.
For 17 harrowing hours, Joe clung to survival inside the cooler, battered by the relentless wind and waves of a Category 5 storm. What might have seemed like an unlikely refuge became his lifeline.
Built with rotomolded construction and dense polyurethane insulation, the same design that keeps ice intact for days, the Grizzly Cooler held strong against the punishing conditions of the Gulf.
“That cooler wasn’t just keeping drinks cold,” Joe later said. “It kept me alive.”
Strength Built Into Every Cooler
Stories like Joe’s shine a light on the difference between ordinary gear and equipment built for the extreme. Every Grizzly Cooler is insulated with Ecofoam®, supplied by FSI. Engineered for high performance, Ecofoam is a rigid polyurethane system that not only delivers unmatched ice retention but also reinforces durability in the most demanding environments.
- Superior Insulation: Dense, pour-in-place foam creates a thermal barrier that withstands extreme heat or cold.
- Structural Strength: Foam fills every cavity, adding rigidity that helps coolers endure crushing waves, heavy impact, and long-term use.
- Sustainability: Powered by Ecomate® blowing agent, Ecofoam® is environmentally responsible, with zero ODP and zero GWP.
The Importance of Safety on the Water
Joe’s story is a powerful reminder of how critical safety is for anyone working or spending time on the water. Proper safety gear, preparation, and reliable equipment can mean the difference between life and death in extreme situations.
While a cooler is not the ideal life-saving device, the strength and durability of Joe’s Grizzly Cooler helped keep him afloat until rescue arrived. His experience underscores the need for every fisherman, boater, and outdoor enthusiast to make safety their top priority.
More Than Just a Cooler
Grizzly Coolers have long been trusted by outdoorsmen, hunters, and adventurers. Joe Tessa’s survival highlights something deeper. When engineered performance meets human resilience, even the most overwhelming odds can be overcome.
At FSI, we are proud that our technology plays a role in products that matter. These are products that do not just perform in the lab, but in the moments when performance is the difference between comfort and survival.
Hurricane Milton will be remembered as one of the most devastating storms to hit the Gulf Coast. For Joe Tessa, it will always be remembered as the storm he survived. He endured thanks to grit, determination, and the strength of a Grizzly Cooler.
Behind that cooler is FSI’s Ecofoam®, proving that innovation and performance can impact lives in ways no one could ever imagine.
Watch the Full Story
To see Joe Tessa’s incredible survival firsthand and learn more about his experience during Hurricane Milton, watch the full video on YouTube here. His story is a testament to courage, resilience, and the importance of safety on the water.
