Maximo Napa Castro, a 61-year-old fisherman, was rescued after 95 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean, having survived on rainwater and ocean catch. Stranded due to strong winds, he was eventually located 1,094 kilometers from shore. Following his rescue, Castro reunited with his family, sharing his experiences and the strength he drew from them.
A 61-year-old Peruvian fisherman named Maximo Napa Castro was dramatically rescued after spending nearly 100 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean. He embarked on a two-week fishing trip on December 7, but faced strong winds that caused his boat to drift away from its intended course, leaving him stranded with minimal provisions.
Castro’s family, concerned after his prolonged absence, reported him missing to the Peruvian Coast Guard. However, rescue efforts initially failed to locate him. Eventually, an Ecuadorian patrol boat discovered him in critical condition, approximately 1,094 kilometers from shore.
Following his rescue, Castro was reconnected with his brother in the town of Paita, located around 400 kilometers from the Ecuadorian border. Despite the harsh conditions, Castro managed to survive by drinking rainwater and eating whatever marine life he could catch. He recounted the ordeal, saying, “I ate roaches, birds, the last thing I ate was turtles.”
Castro expressed how thoughts of his family, particularly his mother and his two-month-old granddaughter, motivated him to persevere. After meeting with the media, he received medical care before traveling to Lima, where he joyfully reunited with his daughter at the airport, who brought with her Peru’s national drink, pisco. The family intends to celebrate Castro’s birthday, which occurred during his time at sea.
Maximo Napa Castro’s remarkable survival story emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit in the face of dire circumstances. After nearly 100 days stranded at sea, he was rescued and reunited with his family. Castro’s ability to survive on minimal resources and his motivation to return to his loved ones underpin the inspiring nature of his experience, leaving a lasting impression on all who hear his story.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
