The Man Who Lived Alone on an Island for 32 Years: "It's Sad to Leave, But I'm Done Fighting"

For 32 years, Mauro Morandi, an 81-year-old Italian teacher, has lived on a remote island called Budelli, located off the coast of Sardinia.

Morandi arrived on the island in 1989 when he set sail for Polynesia, intending to live entirely alone, sustained only by fish and water. However, his boat ran aground near Budelli, and he never fulfilled his dream of living in Polynesia but instead made Budelli his home. "I landed to find someone to help me fix my boat and met the island's caretaker," Morandi recalls. "He told me he was about to retire, and I volunteered to take over his duties."

Morandi sold his boat and moved into a World War II-era shelter, but his residence disturbed some parties. According to Morandi, a private company originally owned the island and went bankrupt. Afterward, many tried to take control of the island and demanded his eviction.

"During my entire stay, I cleaned the island and took care of preserving its beautiful nature," says Morandi, adding, "This is my home."

For years, journalists tried to cover Morandi's unique story, dubbing him the 'Italian Robinson Crusoe,' but he refused... until this week, when he announced he would leave.

Morandi is tired of fighting the entities that want to take over the island, including the La Maddalena Park Authority, which aims to turn his shelter into an environmental education center. "It's sad for me to leave after 32 years here. They told me they want to start renovations in my home. I'm done fighting. I will leave the island, hoping that in the future, whoever is here will protect Budelli as I have," he concludes with sadness.