How to Survive 438 Days Lost at Sea

The story of José Salvador Alvarenga traveled the world as much as he did. This Salvadoran fisherman set out from the coast of Chiapas in November 2012. His boat was caught in a storm that lasted five days, throwing him into the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Those involved in the search presumed him dead, but Alvarenga appeared on one of the islands of Ebon Atoll 438 days later. Calculations suggest he traveled more than 8,900 kilometers; yet, the question everyone still asks is: How did he manage to survive lost at sea under such hostile conditions?

On November 17, 2012, José Salvador Alvarenga and Ezequiel Córdoba set out from the fishing village of Costa Azul, on the coast of Chiapas (Mexico). The original plan was to venture into deep waters (about 120 kilometers) for a 30-hour shift and fill the refrigerator installed on their seven-meter-long boat. Soon, both fishermen were forced to abandon the entire 500-kilogram load to improve the boat's maneuverability within a storm. Unfortunately, the fury of the weather lasted five days, destroying the engine and much of the portable electronics they carried. Located 24 kilometers from the coast, Alvarenga barely managed to send a radio message explaining his critical situation before running out of battery, and before the wind pushed them back into the ocean. The fishermen were lost in the vastness of the Pacific…

Lost at Sea: The Story of José Alvarenga

Not a few wonder how José Salvador Alvarenga managed to survive 438 days lost at sea. In fact, he was the only one who did it. Alvarenga and Córdoba had no choice but to feed on raw meat by catching small fish, turtles, and birds that reached the boat. They also used plastic bottles to collect rainwater, but in most cases they only had two liquids at their disposal: turtle blood and their own urine. Four months into the nightmare, Córdoba became ill from consuming raw meat, refused to keep eating, lost all hope, and died. Alvarenga said he crossed paths with a cargo ship during his disturbing journey, but was not rescued.

On January 30, 2014, Alvarenga spotted coconuts in the water and the return of birds. In the distance he saw an island that seemed uninhabited, and when he was close enough, he abandoned his boat and swam toward it. Upon stepping on land after 438 days, Alvarenga found the home of Emi Libokmeto and Russel Laikidrik, two local coconut harvesters. Alvarenga's condition was calamitous, almost naked, clutching a knife and shouting in Spanish. Fortunately, the encounter ended well. They gave him clothes and food, moved him to the main island, and thanks to the solar-powered phone of a Norwegian researcher, they managed to alert the authorities. José Salvador Alvarenga's story goes far beyond his journey. He returned to his country, published a book, and the family of Ezequiel Córdoba sued him for one million dollars, accusing him of having devoured his companion's body…