Peruvian fisherman survives 95 days adrift in Pacific Ocean
What's the story
A 61-year-old Peruvian fisherman, Maximo Napa Castro, has been rescued after an astonishing 95-day ordeal lost at sea.
His survival was marked by a diet of insects, birds, and sea turtles as food supplies dwindled.
The fisherman had set out from Marcona on December 7, with provisions for two weeks. However, bad weather made him lose his way and his boat began drifting into the Pacific Ocean.
Search efforts
Family's search ends after months
When Castro didn't return home, his family reported him missing.
Despite weeks of search by Peru's maritime patrols, there was no trace of the fisherman.
It was only on March 11 that an Ecuadorian fishing patrol found Castro's boat adrift, 1,094km off the country's coast.
The crew found him severely dehydrated and in critical condition.
Survival tactics
Resourcefulness and determination: Castro's survival story
In a recent interview with Reuters, Castro revealed his creative survival techniques. He was able to collect rainwater on his boat, and ration out his remaining food supplies.
But after 15 days without food, he took to extreme measures to survive. "I ate roaches, birds, the last thing I ate was turtles," he confessed.
His resolve not only came from hunger but thoughts of his family back home.
Family support
Family's unwavering faith during Castro's ordeal
As Castro battled for his life, his mother Elena began to lose hope of seeing her son again.
"I told the Lord, whether he's alive or dead, just bring him back to me," she said.
However, Elena's daughters never lost hope. They kept assuring their mother Castro would be home safe.
Their strong belief helped keep hope alive during the tough time.
Family reunion
Daughter's gratitude for father's rescue
After learning of her father's rescue, Castro's daughter Ines Napa Torres expressed gratitude on Facebook. She thanked the Ecuadorian fishing patrol and specifically Wilson the pilot who had rescued her father.
After his rescue, Castro was taken to Hospital Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes in Paita for medical evaluation and has since been discharged.