438 Days is the true story of the fisherman

The Incredible Survival Story of José Salvador Alvarenga: 438 Days Adrift at Sea

Introduction:

In November 2012, a man was found on a remote atoll in the Marshall Islands. He was disoriented, sunburned, and had been adrift at sea for over a year. His name was José Salvador Alvarenga, and his story of survival is one of the most incredible tales of human resilience in recent memory. This is the story of how he survived 438 days adrift at sea.

Background:

José Salvador Alvarenga was a fisherman from El Salvador. He had been working as a fisherman since he was a teenager and had spent most of his life at sea. In November 2012, he set out on a fishing trip with a young man named Ezequiel Cordoba. They were supposed to spend a few days at sea, but a storm blew them off course and they soon found themselves lost in the vast Pacific Ocean.

Days at Sea:

For the first few days, Alvarenga and Cordoba survived on a small amount of food and water they had brought with them. However, the storm had damaged their boat, and they soon ran out of supplies. They were forced to rely on their fishing skills to catch food and collect rainwater to drink. They also used the sun and stars to navigate and tried to stay within sight of land.

As the days turned into weeks, Alvarenga and Cordoba's situation became increasingly dire. They had to deal with extreme temperatures, dehydration, and hunger. They survived on a diet of raw fish, birds, and turtles, which they caught with their bare hands. They also drank turtle blood and their own urine to stay hydrated.

Tragedy Strikes:

After several months at sea, Cordoba fell ill and died. Alvarenga was left alone with his thoughts and fears. He continued to fish and survive on his own, but the loneliness and isolation began to take a toll on him. He talked to himself and imagined conversations with his deceased friend

Tragic End to a Harrowing Journey: How José Salvador Alvarenga's Fishing Companion Lost His Life at Sea

José  Salvador Alvarenga's fishing companion, Ezequiel Cordoba, died after several months at sea due to an illness. The exact cause of his death is unclear, but it is believed to have been related to malnutrition and dehydration, as the two men were surviving on a very limited diet and scarce water supplies. The harsh conditions and extreme isolation likely also contributed to Cordoba's deteriorating health.



As time passed, Alvarenga's physical and mental health deteriorated. He suffered from extreme sunburn, dehydration, and malnutrition. He was also tormented by hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. He attempted to take his own life several times, but he was too weak to do so.

Rescue:

Finally, on January 30, 2014, after 438 days at sea, Alvarenga was rescued by a group of fishermen from the Marshall Islands. He was found adrift in a small boat, barely alive. He was severely malnourished, dehydrated, and in a state of shock. The fishermen took him to a hospital, where he received medical treatment.

Aftermath:

Alvarenga's story made headlines around the world, and he became a symbol of hope and resilience. He wrote a book about his experience, which was later turned into a movie. However, his story has also been met with skepticism, with some experts questioning the veracity of his claims.

Conclusion:

José Salvador Alvarenga's survival story is a testament to the human spirit and the will to survive. His incredible journey, from the depths of despair to the heights of hope, is a reminder that anything is possible if we have the courage and resilience to face our challenges head-on. Despite the skeptics, Alvarenga's story will continue to inspire and amaze people around the world for years to come.