• Maximo Napa Castro, 61, was rescued after 95 days lost at sea, having survived on rainwater, birds, and turtles.
• His fishing trip turned disastrous when a storm swept him off course, leading to a desperate search by his family.
• Devotion to family kept him hopeful; he thought of his two-month-old granddaughter and prayed for rescue.
• His emotional reunion with family sparked celebrations in his hometown, now cherishing his miraculous return.

In a remarkable survival story, Maximo Napa Castro, a 61-year-old fisherman from Peru, has been rescued after spending 95 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean. Initially embarking on what was intended as a short fishing trip from the coastal town of Marcona on December 7, Castro's voyage quickly turned perilous when a storm redirected his small boat, leaving him lost and alone.

During his ordeal, Castro managed to sustain himself by consuming rainwater and scavenging for food, including cockroaches, birds, and eventually sea turtles. “I thought about my mother every day. I’m thankful to God for giving me a second chance,” he reflected during an emotional reunion with his family after rescue. His spirit and connection to his family, particularly his two-month-old granddaughter, provided him the will to endure.

His survival story took a hopeful turn when the Ecuadorian patrol vessel Don F spotted him off the coast, over 1,094 kilometers from shore, in a critical state but alive. After being rescued on March 12, Castro was transferred to the coastal city of Paita for medical evaluation, where he regained his strength.

His family, who maintained faith in his safe return, celebrated his miraculous comeback with decorations in their hometown of San Andrés. Castro's niece noted the significance of celebrating his birthday, which passed during his time at sea, underscoring the gratitude they felt for his survival. The saga of Castro echoes other astonishing survival tales, joining those of José Salvador Alvarenga and Mikhail Pichugin, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.

For further readings, visit the original sources from NY Times, BBC, CBS News, and India Times.