Peruvian Fisherman Rescued After 95 Days Adrift at Sea

Maximo Napa Castro, a 61-year-old fisherman from Peru, was rescued after 95 days adrift at sea. Initially departing for a two-week fishing trip, bad weather left him stranded. He survived by drinking rainwater and consuming seafood, maintaining hope through thoughts of his family. Castro was reunited with his brother and daughter following his rescue.

A 61-year-old Peruvian fisherman, Maximo Napa Castro, was miraculously rescued after spending 95 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean. He embarked on a two-week solo fishing expedition on December 7, departing from Marcona, Peru. Ten days into the journey, adverse weather conditions led him off course, resulting in his dire situation with dwindling supplies.

Following his unanticipated absence, Castro’s family reported him missing to the Peruvian Coast Guard. Despite their efforts, the authorities struggled to locate him. On Wednesday, however, a patrol boat from Ecuador discovered him in critical health approximately 1,094 kilometers from the shore, as reported by the BBC.

Castro was joyfully reunited with his brother in Paita, a town in northwestern Peru, about 400 kilometers from the Ecuadorian border. He recounted that his survival depended on rainwater and whatever seafood he could catch. He vividly remembered his ordeal, stating, “It was 95 days. I ate roaches, birds, the last thing I ate was turtles. I have a two-month-old granddaughter. I held onto her.”

After addressing the media, Castro received necessary medical care in Paita before proceeding to Lima. There, he was reunited with his daughter, who greeted him at Jorge Chávez International Airport with a bottle of pisco, Peru’s national beverage. Castro’s niece, Leyla Torres Napa, expressed the family’s eagerness to celebrate his birthday, which occurred while he was lost at sea.

The remarkable rescue of Maximo Napa Castro emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit. His experience highlights not only the dangers faced by fishermen but also the profound emotional connections that can sustain individuals during extreme adversity. Castro’s survival against the odds and the joy of his reunion with family serve as a testament to hope and determination.

Original Source: globalnews.ca