A Peruvian fisherman has been rescued after drifting at sea for 94 days, a navy official said Saturday. Maximo Napa, 61, was found alive in his small fishing boat by an Ecuadoran vessel off the coast of Chimbote in northern Peru.
Napa told local media that he survived by eating cockroaches, birds, and turtles to stay alive at sea. He said he clung to life for his family, particularly his mother, who had passed away. His daughter and niece described him as “miraculously” found in good physical condition after being discharged from hospital.
Napa’s ordeal began on December 7 when bad weather conditions and strong currents caused him to lose course from the port of San Juan de Marcona. His small boat, without a radio beacon, was left adrift on the high seas. He shared stories of survival with Russian man Mikhail Pichugin, who survived two months at sea last October after battling shivering cold in a small inflatable boat.
The latest rescue comes after an Australian sailor, Tim Shaddock, 51, and his dog Bella survived over two months lost at sea in 2023. Their boat was damaged by rough seas, leaving them cut off from the world. Napa’s family planned to celebrate his birthday, which passed while he was adrift, describing it as a “unique” day since all he could eat was a small cookie.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fisherman-found-alive-90-days-at-sea-peru-ate-turtles