Two fishermen survive five days adrift in the Pacific Ocean inside a blue cooler
Two fishermen were rescued alive after spending five days adrift in the Pacific Ocean inside a large blue cooler. The men had disappeared after losing contact while at sea off the coast of southern Mexico.
The extraordinary rescue took place near the Mexican state of Chiapas. The fishermen, aged 53 and 32, were found about 240 kilometers, or 150 miles, from the coast after a major search operation.
Their last contact with their fishing cooperative was on August 14. At that time, they were aboard a fishing vessel called the Camaronera. When communication stopped and the men failed to return, the cooperative sent out a distress call.
The Mexican Navy launched a wide search across the Pacific Ocean. Surface vessels and aircraft were deployed to cover a much larger area and search for any sign of the missing fishermen.
Five days later, naval personnel finally found both men alive. They had survived while drifting on the open ocean inside the floating cooler.
The fishermen were discovered far from land, surrounded by the vast Pacific. The cooler had remained afloat and became their only means of staying above the water while they waited for rescue.
Naval personnel brought the two men aboard a patrol vessel. Both fishermen received medical examinations immediately after the rescue.
They were later transported by helicopter to port for further medical care. After receiving treatment and medical checks, the two survivors were reunited with their families.
The Mexican Navy did not release detailed information about their condition. However, surviving for five days on the open ocean was an extraordinary ordeal.
Being stranded at sea for such a long period can quickly become life-threatening. People face dehydration, intense sunlight, exhaustion and changing weather conditions. With no land in sight, the chance of being located can also depend on how far currents carry them from their original route.
In this case, the large fishing cooler provided an unexpected chance of survival. It stayed on the surface and allowed both men to remain above the water during their five days adrift.
The rescue became a remarkable Pacific Ocean survival story. After disappearing for nearly a week, the two missing fishermen were found alive more than 150 miles from the Mexican coast inside a blue cooler.
Source of information: CBS News.
It was previously reported that a tourist boat with 115 passengers on board caught fire off the coast of Turkey. The horrific fire on board forced adults and children to jump into the sea as the flames spread.
