he was on an expedition when the captain of the ship, captain stradling, left him on an island off the coast of chile. selkirk's job on board was the navigator. he controlled where the ship needed to go and where it was at that point in time. he had an important job. he tried to warn the captain about certain repairs that were needed but the captain ignored selkirk and carried on sailing. selkirk knew the ship was to drown at any given moment and tried to demand the repairs were taken care of but nobody listened. they had stopped at an island to restock fresh water and supplies. selkirk said he would rather stay on the island than continue to ride on a dangerous, leaky ship. so there he was left. he had last minute second thoughts and tried to get back onto the ship but stradling refused. selkirk was marooned on that island for about four years and had to rely on himself and his skills for survival.