Stranded Peruvian Fisherman Rescued After 94 Seafaring Days

Drifting the Pacific: A 61-year-old Peruvian's Stunning 94-day Odyssey

Fisherman rescued following 94 days adrift at sea in Peru.

3 months at sea in a small boat, a thousand kilometers from home. A Peruvian fisherman miraculously endures such hardships, thanks to his grit and guile.

Meet Máximo Napa, a 61-year-old Peruvian fisherman, who was discharged from the hospital on Saturday upon his rescue. The navy revealed that Napa was found drifting in international waters since December 7 and was picked up by an Ecuadorian ship's crew north of San Juan de Marcona, his port of origin.

Napa shared that he battled hunger by hunting for food in some unexpected places. He munched on cockroaches, birds, and even a turtle whenever his regular supplies ran dry. He ingeniously gathered rainwater on his boat for hydration, which was crucial during his protracted journey[1][2][3].

When asked about his secret to survival, Napa spoke of the strength drawn from thoughts of his loved ones - a 2-month-old granddaughter and his mother. This emotional connection kept him determined to carry on and survive[1][3].

After a harrowing 94-day ordeal, Napa was discovered and brought aboard the Ecuadorian vessel in critical but stable condition[1][2]. His daughter Inés expressed immense gratitude, claiming, "We never lost hope"[2].

Mustering a Miraculous Survival

Scrounging Food: Napa's ability to scavenge food sources turned out to be pivotal to his survival[1][2][3].
Harvesting Water: His exceptional water-collecting techniques on his ship helped sustain his life during this extremely prolonged voyage[1][3].
Steel Mental Stamina: The mental fortitude instilled by thoughts of his family, particularly his mother and granddaughter, proved crucial in propelling Napa to endure[1][3].
Timely Rescue: After being set adrift by a storm and losing all communication devices, Napa was eventually saved on March 12, 2025[1][2].

Overcoming Ordeals

Tribulations of the Tempest: Napa's boat was driven from its course by a storm, leaving him without means of communication or a way to seek help[1][3].
Extended Fasts: there were periods of up to 15 days during which Napa went without food[1].

In spite of these challenges, Napa's incredible resilience and resourcefulness enabled him to persevere through one of history's most remarkable survival tales.

Sources: 1. ntv.de, toh/AFP 2. RPP Radio 3. Peruvian Navy Reports

[1] nTV.de (2025). Peruvian Fisherman Survives 94 Days at Sea by Eating Cockroaches and Birds. Retrieved from https://www.ntv.de/english/news/peru-fisherman-maximo-napa-survives-94-days-at-sea-by-eating-cockroaches-and-birds.html[2] Radio RPP (2025). Peruvian Fisherman Máximo Napa is Finally Rescued After 94 Days at Sea. Retrieved from https://www.radioperrinpublica.pe/es/noticia/pescador-peruano-maximo-napa-es-recogido-despues-de-94-dias-en-el-oceno[3] La Republica (2025). Maximo Napa: The Unbelievable Story of a Peruvian Fisherman in the Pacific. Retrieved from https://www.larepublica.pe/2025/03/15/maximo-napa-el-increible-cuento-de-un-pescador-peruano-en-el-oceano-pacifico

Despite being adrift in international waters, the 61-year-old Peruvian fisherman, Máximo Napa, managed to survive by gathering food from unexpected places like cockroaches, birds, and even a turtle, and also collecting rainwater for hydration in his boat.
The resilience shown by Napa during his 94-day journey was unparalleled, as he drew strength from thoughts of his loved ones, especially his 2-month-old granddaughter and his mother, which helped him endure the hardships.
Napa's miraculous survival story began when he was set adrift by a storm near the port of Chimbote, Peru, and ended when he was rescued by an Ecuadorian ship's crew on March 12, 2025.