A Peruvian fisherman who had been stranded in the Pacific Ocean for three months was miraculously rescued.
He survived by eating cockroaches and other insects.
According to Reuters on Saturday, Máximo Napa Castro was discovered by an Ecuadorian fishing patrol about 1,094 kilometers (approximately 680 miles) off the northern coast of Peru.
Napa Castro set out on December 7 from the southern Peruvian coastal town of Marcona for a two-week fishing trip. However, after ten days, severe weather caused his fishing boat to lose its bearings and become stranded in the vast Pacific Ocean.
Following a report from his family, the Peruvian maritime patrol launched a search effort. However, the ocean’s vastness made it impossible to locate him for three months.
After 95 days adrift, Napa Castro was rescued from severe dehydration. He was taken to the hospital, regained his strength, and was eventually discharged.
A naval colonel described Napa Castro’s condition upon rescue as follows: “He was mentally shaken but physically in good condition when he arrived at the hospital. He was able to walk and shower on his own.”
In an emotional interview with local media, Napa Castro shared, “I drank rainwater that collected on the boat, and I ate insects like cockroaches and birds. The last thing I ate was a turtle.”
He also revealed that he had nothing to eat in the 15 days leading up to his rescue.
“I didn’t want to die,” Napa Castro said. He kept hope alive by thinking of his family, especially his two-month-old granddaughter. “I thought of my mother every day,” he added, expressing gratitude to God for giving him a second chance.
In a broadcast interview, Napa Castro’s daughter shared, “It’s a miracle that my father was found,” and emphasized, “Our family never gave up hope that he would be discovered.” This story highlights the incredible resilience of the human spirit, even in the most extreme circumstances.
Experts note that basic survival skills and equipment are crucial for improving the chances of survival at sea. They also emphasize the importance of sending distress signals using every possible method when in danger.
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