What was meant to be a routine fishing trip for José Salvador Alvarenga and Ezequiel Córdoba instead quickly turned disastrous. Stranded with no water or food, the pair embarked on their most strenuous, devastating, and challenging journey of their entire lives. Their story begins at the little fishing village of Costa Azul, just off the coast of Chiapas, Mexico.
The Fisherman
José Salvador Alvarenga is an experienced sailor and fisherman, who on 17 November 2012, intended to set out on what was supposed to be a 30-hour shift of deep-sea fishing. With the intent to catch marlins, sharks, and sailfish, Alvarenga had nothing to worry about, however his usual fishing companion was not able to join him. Therefore Alvarenga brought along the inexperienced 23 year old Ezequiel Córdoba, with whom he had never worked with or spoken with before. What happened over the next 14 months, neither man was prepared for.
The Fishermen
Provisions Galore
As a result of the intended 30-hour shift, the boat was packed with provisions such as 70 gallons of gasoline, 16 gallons of water, and 50 lbs of sardines for bait. Plus they had the usual hooks, harpoons, knives, and buckets. Furthermore, they also had a mobile phone which was kept safely in a plastic bag, a GPS, and a two-way radio. On top of that, the boat was a 7-meter (24-foot) topless fiberglass skiff which was equipped with a single outboard motor and also a refrigerator-sized icebox. With everything set, the two set off but it didn’t long for disaster to struck.
Provisions Galore
