Incredible Survival Story of Peruvian Fisherman Lost at Sea
Maximo Napa, a Peruvian fisherman, who went missing at sea for 95 days, is heading home after surviving on roaches, birds, and sea turtles in the Pacific Ocean.
Napa departed from Marcona, a town on the southern Peruvian coast, on December 7 for what was intended to be a two-week fishing trip. However, turbulent weather derailed his plans just ten days into the journey, leaving him adrift.
Despite a search operation initiated by his family, it wasn't until an Ecuadorian fishing patrol found him approximately 680 miles (1,094 km) off the coast that he was rescued, severely dehydrated and in critical condition.
Reflecting on his ordeal upon reuniting with his brother in Paita, near the Ecuadorian border, Napa shared, "I did not want to die. I ate roaches, birds, the last thing I ate was turtles." The relentless will to survive sustained him, especially thoughts of his family, like his two-month-old granddaughter, during the grueling times he spent on rainwater and later no food for the final 15 days.
Expressing gratitude for the second chance he was given, Napa reminisced, "I thought about my mother every day." His relieved mother, Elena Castro, mentioned that despite wavering hope, Napa's safe return was fervently prayed for and eagerly anticipated by the family.
Following a series of medical evaluations in Paita, Napa was set to travel to Lima for further medical supervision.