Incredible Survival: Peruvian Fisherman Rescued After 95 Days Adrift in the Pacific

After 95 days stranded in the Pacific Ocean, Peruvian fisherman Maximo Napa Castro has been rescued, reuniting with family and sharing a remarkable story of survival involving eating turtles and birds.

Maximo Napa Castro, a 61-year-old Peruvian fisherman, has become a symbol of resilience after being rescued 95 days after he initially set out on a two-week fishing trip from Marcona on December 7. His voyage took a perilous turn when a storm sent his boat off course, leading to a harrowing experience of survival in the vast Pacific Ocean.

Despite a family-led search effort and patrols from Peru's maritime authorities, Napa was lost for weeks until the Ecuadorian patrol vessel Don F located him 1,094 kilometers (680 miles) from the coast, suffering from dehydration and in critical condition.

In a powerful account, Napa recounted his struggle for survival, which involved consuming cockroaches, birds, and eventually sea turtles. He managed to collect rainwater to stave off dehydration. "I thought about my family, especially my two-month-old granddaughter, which gave me the determination to persevere,” he shared during an emotional reunion with his brother in Paita.

While his mother, Elena, held onto hope throughout his absence, she admitted that her optimism started to wane as days turned into weeks. Following his rescue, Napa was taken for a medical evaluation before reuniting with his daughter, Inés, at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, an emotional rendezvous that highlighted the joy of survival.

Back in his hometown of San Andrés in the Ica region, celebrations erupted among family and neighbors, who adorned the streets in honor of Napa's return. His niece, Leyla, expressed joy at celebrating his birthday, which he spent at sea with only a small cookie to eat.

Napa’s incredible survival story mirrors those of other fishermen who have faced similar challenges at sea, such as Russian Mikhail Pichugin, rescued after 67 days, and Salvadoran José Salvador Alvarenga, who survived 14 months adrift. Each tale shines a light on the indomitable spirit of those who brave the ocean’s dangers.