Maximo Napa, a 61-year-old fisherman from Peru, has been rescued after spending 94 harrowing days adrift at sea. His incredible ordeal began on December 7, when he set out from the port of San Juan de Marcona but lost his course due to adverse weather conditions. Napa was discovered by an Ecuadoran vessel near the coast of Chimbote in northern Peru on Tuesday. He was subsequently rescued by the Peruvian Navy and taken to a hospital in the coastal city of Paita, where he was discharged on Saturday.
Despite the lengthy and perilous experience, Maximo Napa was reported to be in good physical condition. Jorge González, the Peruvian Navy port captain, confirmed Napa's health status.
“Mr Napa arrived in good physical condition. He could walk, wash himself. Shocked, but in good physical condition,” said Jorge González.
Throughout his time adrift, Napa held onto thoughts of his family, which kept him going during those challenging days at sea. In particular, he clung to the hope of seeing his two-month-old granddaughter and thought about his mother every day.
“I didn’t want to die, for my mother. I have a two-month-old granddaughter – I clung to that. Every day I thought about my mother,” expressed Maximo Napa.
His daughter, Ines Napa, expressed her overwhelming relief and gratitude upon learning of her father's rescue. She described his survival as nothing short of miraculous.
“It is a miracle that my father has been found,” remarked Ines Napa.
The rescue operation has been hailed as a testament to the perseverance and resilience of both Maximo Napa and the teams involved in his search. The Peruvian Navy played a crucial role in locating and bringing him back safely to land.