A Peruvian fisherman who spent more than three months stranded in the Pacific Ocean has been found alive and reunited with his family. Maximo Napa Castro, aged 61, set out on a fishing trip on 7 December, expecting to return within two weeks. However, after ten days at sea, severe weather conditions pushed his boat off course, leaving him adrift in open waters.
His family immediately raised the alarm, and a search was launched, but authorities were unable to locate him. The Peruvian Navy confirmed his rescue on Wednesday after an Ecuadorian patrol vessel found him nearly 700 miles from the northern Peruvian coast.
Castro was transported to a hospital in Paita, where he received medical attention before being discharged on Saturday. During his time at sea, he survived on rainwater and whatever food he could find, including cockroaches, turtles, and birds. He spent the last 15 days of his ordeal without any food.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Maximo Napa Castro |
| Age | 61 years |
| Date of Departure | 7 December |
| Expected Trip Duration | 2 weeks |
| Days Lost at Sea | 94 days |
| Location Found | 700 miles off Peruvian coast |
| Rescue Date | Wednesday |
| Survival Diet | Rainwater, cockroaches, turtles, birds |
| Final 15 Days | No food |
Speaking to local media, Castro said thoughts of his family helped him stay alive. He particularly drew strength from the fact that his mother was still alive and that he had a granddaughter who was only two months old at the time.
After leaving the hospital, Castro was flown to Lima, where he was finally reunited with his loved ones. His niece, Leyla Torres Napa, described the emotional reunion and revealed that the family planned to celebrate his birthday, which had passed while he was lost at sea. She noted that on his actual birthday, all he had was a single biscuit, making their planned celebration even more significant.
