Fisherman Miraculously Rescued After 95 Days at Sea Surviving on Turtles

A Peruvian fisherman, 61, has been rescued after over three months adrift, relying on unthinkable food sources for survival.

A Peruvian fisherman, Maximo Napa Castro, has been astonishingly rescued after spending 95 days adrift in the unforgiving waters of the Pacific Ocean. During his prolonged ordeal, the 61-year-old survived by consuming various creatures, including turtles, birds, and even cockroaches.

Castro began his fishing venture from Marcona on December 7, expecting to return within two weeks. However, a fierce storm displaced his vessel, leaving him at sea with rapidly depleting provisions. Amid growing concern, his family initiated a search for him, but efforts from Peru's maritime patrols yielded no results.

It wasn't until a remarkable find by the Ecuadorian patrol vessel, Don F, that he was discovered 1,094 kilometers (680 miles) from shore, suffering from severe dehydration and other health issues. During the harrowing weeks, Maximo ingeniously collected rainwater while foraging for sustenance. He described a disheartening progression of consuming insects and birds before ultimately resorting to sea turtles for nutrition, with a harrowing final 15 days spent without food.

Thoughts of his family, including a newborn granddaughter, provided him with the will to survive. He expressed gratitude upon his return, sharing, "I thought of my mother every day. I'm thankful to God for giving me a second chance." Maximo's mother, Elena, recalled how she held onto hope throughout his disappearance, despite doubts creeping in.

Following his rescue, he was assessed in Paita and subsequently transported to Lima, where he was met with a heartfelt reunion with his daughter, Inés Napa. In a symbolic greeting, she presented him with pisco, the cherished national drink of Peru.

In his home district of San Andrés in the Ica region, jubilant neighbors adorned the streets to celebrate his miraculous return. His niece, Leyla Torres Napa, revealed plans for a birthday celebration in remembrance of his survival, noting poignantly that during his lost days at sea, he had only a small cookie to mark the occasion.

Maximo's story parallels that of other fishermen who faced similar tribulations at sea, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.