A man survived an incredible 438 days at sea with no food or water. His story of endurance and resilience has amazed the world.
In a recent story of survival, José Salvador Alvarenga experienced an astonishing 438 days stranded at sea without access to food or fresh water.
Alvarenga and his friend were lost at sea after a major storm
In 2012, José Salvador Alvarenga, a 33-year-old experienced fisherman from Mexico, set out on a routine two-day fishing trip with a friend.
However, he didn’t know this trip would turn into a harrowing 438-day ordeal at sea.
Alvarenga’s friend was unable to join him, so he took an inexperienced 22-year-old coworker, Ezequiel Córdoba, instead.
As they were returning to shore, a sudden storm struck, flooding their boat’s engine and casting them adrift into the open ocean.
The man struggled to survive drinking and eating animals’ blood.
For a week, they battled the relentless waves, losing most of their equipment in the process.
The duo initially had some food and water, but it was not long before these essentials were depleted.
With no food or water on board, the pair had to get creative to survive.
They resorted to drinking bird blood, eating turtles, and catching fish.
His friend died after eating a sick bird
However, the harsh conditions took a heavy toll on Córdoba, who fell ill after consuming a contaminated bird.
Tragically, he passed away after just 10 weeks, leaving Alvarenga to face the daunting task of surviving alone.
After a long time of being stranded at sea, he began to hallucinate, talking to Córdoba’s lifeless body.
The man decided to give his friend a proper burial at sea, a heartbreaking decision that further tested his mental fortitude.
The crew ignored Alvarenga
During his 15-month journey, Alvarenga encountered a glimmer of hope when he spotted a passing shipping container and waved frantically.
Unfortunately, the crew ignored him as they thought he just waved them as a greeting action.
This moment of despair nearly crushed his spirit, but Alvarenga refused to give up.
The man was finally rescued after a year stranded at sea
Miraculously, on January 30, 2014, Alvarenga finally reached a remote islet in the Marshall Islands.
He then swam to shore and found a beach house owned by a local couple. They then help Alvarenga to contact the rescue team.
He was taken to a hospital where he received care to address his severe malnutrition and other health issues.
Once rescued, Alvarenga’s story quickly gained global attention.
Social media reaction
His incredible story of survival was met with awe and admiration.
The fact that he survived for over a year under such extreme conditions fascinated experts and the public.
That man is definitely blessed, one user said.
I’ve read the book. Definitely recommend it, amazing story of survival, the second user said.
The duo gathered 72 plastic bottles and a 55-gallon drum that drifted to them, using these to collect rainwater.
They also drank turtle and bird blood. They went almost a full week without anything once, the third user commented.
Know the feeling of waving at people for help, having them wave back and just move on, leaving one stranded! Another said.