A Peruvian fisherman, Maximo Napa, has been found after surviving an arduous 95-day ordeal lost in the Pacific Ocean. Discovered by an Ecuadorian fishing patrol on Wednesday, Napa was located 680 miles off the Peruvian coast, in a critically dehydrated condition. His harrowing journey began when he ran out of food and was left to rely on rainwater and whatever sustenance he could find on his boat.
During his time adrift, Napa faced extreme challenges in order to survive. He endured the last 15 days without any food, resorting to eating roaches, birds, and sea turtles to sustain himself. Despite these extreme measures, his situation became increasingly dire as he awaited rescue.
His family, desperate to find him, had launched a search that, unfortunately, did not yield immediate results. Peru's maritime patrols were initially unable to locate him. It was only through the efforts of an Ecuadorian patrol that Napa was finally discovered and brought to safety.
Upon his return to land, Napa was reunited with his brother in Paita, where he is scheduled to undergo further medical checks before traveling south to Lima. His condition upon rescue highlighted the severity of his experience at sea.
“I thought about my mother every day,” Maximo Napa shared, reflecting on the mental challenges he faced during his time lost at sea.
His mother, Elena Castro, expressed her anguish and hope throughout the ordeal.
“I told the Lord, 'Whether he’s alive or dead, just bring him back to me, even if it’s just to see him,'” she said.