The events recounted in this story unfolded on November 17, 2012.
José Alvarenga, a 36-year-old Mexican fisherman, paid $50 to a 22-year-old named Cordoba to take him fishing off the Mexican coast in Cordoba’s boat. Unfortunately, they were caught in a storm, leaving them stranded in the vastness of the ocean. To survive, they resorted to eating things like fish and birds.
In this incredible tale, a man lost at sea managed to endure on the boat for an astounding 438 days. However, Cordoba succumbed to the harsh conditions due to health issues.
José, determined to avoid loneliness, kept his friend’s body for six days before ultimately laying him to rest in the ocean. Faced with the daunting challenge of survival, José Alvarenga demonstrated remarkable resilience. Over many months adrift, he sustained himself by catching fish and birds with his bare hands.
Jose Alvarenga’s 438-day ordeal covered a distance of up to 10,800 kilometers. Starting on November 17, 2012, off the coast of Mexico, his journey concluded on January 30, 2014, on one of the atolls of the Marshall Islands, where he was discovered by local inhabitants.
Medical examinations revealed that despite the incredible circumstances, Alvarenga’s body had not suffered serious injuries. After a brief recovery period, he found himself healthy and content. It is likely that José Alvarenga’s optimistic outlook played a crucial role in his survival.
