Peruvian Fisherman Drifts for 95 Days, Rescued Dramatically: "Survived by Eating Cockroaches"

Went Off Course Due to Severe Weather While Fishing Last December
Survived by Eating Cockroaches, Birds, and Turtles

A fisherman in Peru was miraculously rescued 95 days after going missing at sea due to severe weather.

On the 16th (local time), CNN reported the rescue story of Peruvian fisherman Maximo Napa Castro (61). Last December 7, he set out to sea from the southern coastal village of Marcona, Peru, aboard a fishing boat but was blown off course by a fierce storm. After receiving a missing person report from his family, the Peruvian maritime patrol immediately launched a search but could not find any trace of Napa Castro.

Peruvian fisherman Napa Castro, who survived drifting at sea for 95 days, is being interviewed by the media. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

Drifting in the vast ocean for a staggering 95 days, he was dramatically rescued on the 11th after being discovered by an Ecuadorian fishing vessel. The location where he was found was about 1,094 km away from the northern coast of Peru. Napa Castro was reportedly in critical condition, showing severe dehydration when found.

In an interview with local media after his rescue, Napa Castro tearfully said, "I survived by collecting rainwater on the boat and eating cockroaches, birds, and turtles." It was reported that he had not eaten anything for the 15 days immediately before his rescue.

Despite enduring life-threatening extreme suffering, Napa Castro said he kept his strength by thinking of his family. He said, "I did not want to die, especially for my mother. I thought of her every day," and added, "I had a granddaughter who was two months old, and I endured by thinking of her." He also expressed gratitude, saying, "I thank God for giving me a second chance."

His daughter, Ines Napa Torres, posted on Facebook on the 3rd, saying, "Every day has been painful for the family. We never thought we would go through something like this," and added, "We will not lose hope until we find my father." After her father was rescued, Ines posted again, saying, "Thank you for saving my father. May God's blessings be with you," expressing her gratitude once more to the Ecuadorian fishermen.

After returning, Napa Castro was examined at a hospital in northwestern Peru and was discharged on the 15th.