A Peruvian fisherman who was lost at sea for an astounding 95 days has miraculously been saved after living on turtles, birds and cockroaches. Maximo Napa Castro, 61, embarked on what was supposed to be a routine two-week fishing expedition from the southern coastal town of Marcona on December 7.
His journey took a perilous turn just 10 days in, when he was caught in a storm, leaving him stranded with limited supplies. Desperate to find him, Castro’s family initiated a search alongside Peru’s maritime patrols, but his whereabouts remained unknown. However, on Wednesday, Ecuadorian patrol vessel Don F stumbled upon him some 680 miles off the shore.
Found in a dehydrated state and critical condition, Castro managed to survive by collecting rainwater and eating whatever he could lay his hands on, going the last 15 days without food entirely.
An emotional reunion occurred with his brother in Paita, close to Ecuador, on Friday. It was there that he recounted the desperate measures he took to survive, such as eating cockroaches, birds, and sea turtles.
He told Reuters: “I did not want to die. I ate roaches, birds, the last thing I ate was turtles.”
It was thoughts of his family, particularly his mother Elena, that kept his hope alive. Castro said: “I thought about my mother everyday. The one thing I want is a hug from my mum. I’m thankful to God for giving me a second chance.
Elena told local reporters that while her family tried to remain optimistic throughout her son’s absence, she had started to lose faith.
Having been rescued, Castro received medical attention in Paita before being airlifted to Peru’s capital, Lima.
Elated daughter Ines Napa met her father at Jorge Chavez International Airport, marking his return with the Peruvian alcohol pisco.
Back in his hometown of San Andres, the local community lined the streets with decorations to mark his miraculous homecoming.
His niece, Leyla Torres Napa, opened up about the plans to re-celebrate his birthday, which he spent alone at sea.
She told RPP: “The day of his birth was unique because all that he could eat [while at sea] was a small cookie, so it is very important for us that we celebrate because, for us, he has been reborn.”
