Fisherman Survives 95 Days Adrift at Sea, Rescued After Harrowing Ordeal

A 61-year-old Peruvian fisherman, Maximo Napa Castro, has been rescued after an astonishing 95 days at sea in the Pacific Ocean, where he survived by consuming turtles, birds, and even cockroaches. Setting off from Marcona for a brief fishing trip on December 7, Castro was thrown off course by a storm, leading to a desperate struggle for survival. His family launched a search effort that yielded no results, but hope remained alive until a patrol vessel from Ecuador discovered him 1,094 kilometers from shore in critical condition.

Upon rescue, Castro shared the emotional burden of his harrowing experience with his family, particularly recalling thoughts of his two-month-old granddaughter and his mother, who had almost lost hope for his safe return. After a medical assessment in Paita, he was flown back to Lima, where a heartwarming reunion took place with his daughter, who welcomed him back with a bottle of pisco. His home community celebrated his return, with plans to commemorate his belated birthday, marked by an extraordinary survival tale. This remarkable episode adds to the growing narratives of survival at sea, reminiscent of other fishermen who faced similar fates in recent years.

Despite the dire circumstances, Castro's story serves as a testament to human resilience and the unbreakable bonds of family.