A Peruvian fisherman, Máximo Napa Castro, has been rescued after surviving 95 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean. He set sail on December 7 from Marcona, a southern coastal town in Peru, but was thrown off course by severe weather conditions.
On March 11, an Ecuadorian fishing vessel located him near northern Peru, where he was found in critical condition due to severe dehydration. Following his rescue, Napa Castro shared his harrowing experience, revealing that he had managed to survive by drinking rainwater and consuming insects, birds, and even a turtle. Notably, he endured the last 15 days without food.
In an emotional interview, Napa Castro spoke of how thoughts of his family sustained him throughout his ordeal. He expressed his determination to survive for his mother and newborn granddaughter, saying, “I said I didn’t want to die for my mother. I held on to her. Every day I thought of my mother.”
His daughter, Inés Napa Torres, publicly thanked the Ecuadorian fishermen for their life-saving efforts. She shared her gratitude on Facebook, stating, “Thank you, Ecuadorian brothers, for rescuing my dad. God bless you.”
Napa Castro’s family and fellow fishermen had dedicated three months to searching for him, enduring tremendous anguish during his absence. Inés noted the pain her family faced and their unwavering hope, mentioning, “Every day is anguish for the whole family… we never thought we would go through this situation.”
Upon his return, Napa Castro received medical attention at the Hospital Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes in Paita and was subsequently discharged. Efforts are underway to contact his family for further updates.