José Salvador Alvarenga (Spanish: [xoˈse salβaˈðoɾ alβaˈɾeŋɡa]; born c. 1975) is a Salvadoran fisherman and author who was found on January 30, 2014 at the age of 36 or 37, on the Marshall Islands after spending 14 months adrift in a fishing boat in the Pacific Ocean since November 17, 2012.
He survived primarily on a diet of raw fish, turtles, small birds, sharks and rainwater. He swam to shore at Tile Islet, a small island that is part of Ebon Atoll, on January 30. Two locals, Emi Libokmeto and Russel Laikidrik, found him naked, clutching a knife and shouting in Spanish. He was treated in a hospital in Majuro before flying to his family home in El Salvador on February 10.
Despite early skepticism, Alvarenga’s account received extensive international coverage. He is the only person in history to have spent more than a year adrift in a tiny boat.
Early and personal life
Alvarenga was born in Garita Palmera, Ahuachapán, El Salvador, to José Ricardo Orellana and María Julia Alvarenga. Orellana owns a flour mill and store in the town. He has a daughter who grew up in Garita Palmera with his parents, as well as several brothers who live in the United States. In 2002, he left El Salvador for Mexico and worked there for four years as a fisherman in the sea ports of a municipality, mostly fishing, under some periods under an employer, namely Villermino Rodríguez. His last contact with his family had been eight years earlier.
Voyage
November 17, 2012, is the date on which Alvarenga embarked from the fishing village of Costa Azul near Pijijiapan off Chiapas, Mexico. He is an experienced sailor and fisherman who wanted to spend 30 hours at sea in deep-sea fishing, expecting to catch sharks, marlins, and sailfish. His regular fishing companion was unavailable, so he decided to take with him the very inexperienced 23-year-old Ezequiel Córdoba, whom he had never seen before, nor spoken to, nor even knew his surname.
Shortly after setting off, their boat, a seven-meter (23-foot) topless fiberglass skiff fitted with a single outboard motor and a refrigerator-sized icebox for storing fish, was blown off course by a storm that lasted five days, during which the motor and most of the portable electronics were damaged.
Though they had caught nearly 500 kilograms (1,100 lb) of fresh fish, the pair were forced to dump it overboard to make the boat maneuverable in the bad weather. Alvarenga managed to call his boss on a two-way radio and request help before the radio’s battery died. Having neither sails nor oars, no anchor, no running lights, and with no other device to contact the shore, this boat started crossing the open waters. Most of the fishing gear went missing or destroyed in the process, leaving little food and mostly basic supplies only.
The search party organized by Alvarenga’s employer did not find any trace of the missing men and quit after two days because the visibility was very poor. Days turned into weeks, and they learned to scavenge their food from whatever sources presented themselves. Alvarenga was able to net fish, turtles, jellyfish, and seabirds using his naked hands and the pair would periodically scoop up pieces of edible material and plastic detritus that floated by in the water. At times, they drew drinking water from rainfall, but more often they were obliged to drink turtle blood or their own urine. Alvarenga had fantasies continuously about his favorite foods and also his parents.
According to Alvarenga, Córdoba lost all hope around four months into the voyage after becoming sick from the raw food and eventually died from starvation by refusing to eat. Alvarenga has said that he thought of committing suicide for four days after Córdoba died, but his Christian faith prevented him from doing so. He said Córdoba made him promise not to eat his body after he killed himself, so he kept it on the boat. Sometimes he’d talk to the corpse, but after six days, afraid of going crazy, he tossed it in the water.
Alvarenga reported passing by many transoceanic container ships but never being able to find any help. He marked the passage of time based on the cycle of the phases of the moon. On his 15th lunar cycle, he espied distant land: a tiny, barren islet, which proved to be a remote corner of the Marshall Islands. He ran away from the boat on 30 January, 2014 and swam to the coast, where he landed on the beach house belonging to a local couple. The duration of his journey was 438 days.
The distance of his journey has been estimated to be between 5,500 and 6,700 miles (8,900 to 10,800 km). Some newspapers initially reported Alvarenga’s count of 15-plus lunar cycles as 16 months, but later revised it to 13 months.
Marshall Islands acting secretary of foreign affairs Gee Bing said Alvarenga’s vital signs were all “good”, except for blood pressure, which was extremely low. Bing also noted that Alvarenga had swollen ankles and was troubled to walk. “February 6: The doctor attending him tells Telegraph journalist Barrie McKay that his health has “deteriorated” since yesterday and that he is receiving an IV drip due to dehydration.
Reactions
Family
Alvarenga’s parents had not seen him for years and had long been worried that he was dead. They were relieved to find that he was still alive. Alvarenga’s father said he had prayed for his son during his disappearance. His daughter said that when she heard that her father was found, the “first thing I’ll do is hug him and kiss him.”
Initial doubts and support
The impossibility of anyone surviving for so long at sea on a small boat led many commentators to question Alvarenga’s account, although investigators did verify some of the fundamental facts. The owner of the boat he used, César Castillo, said that “it’s incredible to survive that long.
It’s hard to think how anybody could go more than six or seven months without getting scurvy at least.” Yet Claude Piantadosi of Duke University told NEWSWEEK in an interview that fresh meat from birds and turtles contains vitamin C and that eating a lot of it, as Alvarenga claims to have done, “would provide sufficient vitamin C to prevent scurvy.”
The Guardian was able to locate the Chiapas rescue services official, Jaime Marroquín, who was told that a fishing boat had disappeared in the area on November 17, 2012. The official report described the two fishermen as Cirilo Vargas and Ezequiel Córdova, and said both were in their 30s.
Marroquín also said that the owner of the boat told him that Vargas was born in El Salvador. They conducted search operations for the duo, starting from Vargas, but their operation was later withdrawn after two days due to heavy fog and bad weather.
On the issue of names of fishermen between the 2012 report and Alvarenga and Córdoba, CBS News reported that “records in Mexico are often filed with such mistakes.” In another explanation, Alvarenga’s parents revealed to National Post that they said their son is known as “Cirilo” in Mexico.
Tom Armbruster, the United States ambassador to the Marshall Islands, said it’s hard to believe someone could survive at sea for 13 months, but that “it’s also hard to imagine how someone might arrive on Ebon out of the blue.
Certainly, this guy has had an ordeal, and has been at sea for some time.” Norman Barth, also of the American Embassy in the Marshall Islands, did the initial questioning of Alvarenga upon his arrival in Majuro and found him to be truthful. Besides, Erik van Sebille, an oceanographer at the University of New South Wales, said that it was entirely possible that sea currents could carry a boat from Mexico to the Marshall Islands.
He also estimated that such a trip would take about 18 months, but said that 13 months was still plausible. Further support for his account came from a study by researchers from the University of Hawaii that modeled the path a boat might have taken after departing from the Pacific Coast in Mexico based on wind and current conditions, and concluded that it would end up “within 120 miles of Ebon”, where Alvarenga actually landed. In April 2014, Alvarenga’s attorney announced during a press conference that he had passed a polygraph test while being probed on his journey.
Life after rescue
After 11 days in a hospital, Alvarenga was considered healthy enough to return to El Salvador. He was diagnosed with anemia, could not sleep, and became afraid of water. In 2015, he sat down for a series of interviews with journalist Jonathan Franklin, who later wrote about Alvarenga’s ordeal in the book 438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea.
Shortly after the release of 438 Days, the family of Córdoba sued Alvarenga for $1,000,000, accusing him of cannibalizing their relative to survive, despite Alvarenga sharing that he promised Córdoba he would not eat him. Alvarenga’s lawyer has denied this accusation.
1. What led to José Salvador Alvarenga’s survival at sea for 438 days?
José Salvador Alvarenga’s incredible survival story began in November 2012 when he set out on a fishing trip from the coast of Mexico. Initially, the journey seemed routine, but a series of misfortunes resulted in Alvarenga and his companion, Ezequiel Córdoba, being lost at sea. The pair’s boat was blown off course, eventually drifting across the Pacific Ocean. For 438 days, Alvarenga survived alone after Córdoba died, enduring harsh conditions such as extreme heat, limited food and water, and constant exposure to the ocean. The survival story of José Salvador Alvarenga captivated the world due to his extraordinary resilience and will to live.
One of the key factors in Alvarenga’s survival was his resourcefulness. He managed to catch fish and birds using rudimentary tools, relying on rainwater and fish blood for hydration. Despite these meager resources, Alvarenga maintained a mental clarity that allowed him to keep fighting for survival. This level of endurance, both physical and mental, was something that left experts and the public in awe. The fact that he managed to survive alone in the vast Pacific Ocean for such an extended period is a mystery in itself.
2. Did José Salvador Alvarenga experience hallucinations during his time at sea?
Many survivors of extreme isolation report hallucinations, and José Salvador Alvarenga was no exception. During his months lost at sea, he experienced vivid dreams and hallucinations that made the lonely journey more bearable. At times, he claimed that he had conversations with his deceased companion, Córdoba, and even with the animals he encountered on the water. These experiences could have been a coping mechanism, allowing him to hold onto his sanity amid the isolation.
Alvarenga’s account of his mental state suggests that while hallucinations were a part of his journey, they didn’t fully overwhelm him. He mentioned that he often found solace in the memory of his family, especially his daughter, and in his promise to Córdoba to never eat him despite the overwhelming urge to do so for survival. His ability to differentiate between reality and these mental distortions was a testament to his psychological strength.
3. What role did José Salvador Alvarenga’s relationship with Ezequiel Córdoba play in the survival story?
The relationship between José Salvador Alvarenga and Ezequiel Córdoba was crucial to the story of survival. They initially set out on a routine fishing trip together, but when their boat became stranded at sea, the two had to rely on each other for emotional and physical support. However, the relationship became strained as the days turned into weeks and weeks into months. Córdoba struggled with the conditions, and Alvarenga took on the responsibility of keeping both of them alive.
As time went on, Córdoba’s health deteriorated, and Alvarenga was forced to make the heart-wrenching decision to keep moving forward alone. Before his death, Córdoba made Alvarenga promise that he would not resort to cannibalism to survive. This promise became one of the key points in Alvarenga’s survival, as he clung to it even when he was facing near-starvation. His emotional commitment to this promise played a critical role in keeping his focus on survival.
José Salvador Alvarenga’s journey across the Pacific Ocean was guided by a mixture of skill, luck, and intuition. With no formal navigational tools and limited access to traditional methods like maps or a compass, Alvarenga relied on the stars, the sun’s position, and the behavior of the ocean to maintain his course. He described using birds and the movement of the wind to help him figure out directions.
One of the most remarkable aspects of his survival was how he managed to remain on a general trajectory despite being disoriented and often not knowing where he was heading. His instincts and knowledge of the sea allowed him to steer the boat in the right direction, even though he couldn’t predict exactly where he was going. His eventual rescue off the coast of the Marshall Islands was likely a combination of good fortune, strong survival skills, and his dogged determination to keep moving forward.
5. Was José Salvador Alvarenga’s story of survival doubted by some?
Despite the overwhelming evidence of José Salvador Alvarenga’s incredible journey, there were those who doubted the authenticity of his story. Some questioned whether it was physically possible for one person to survive at sea for so long, while others suggested that parts of his narrative might have been embellished.
Alvarenga’s lawyer even faced legal challenges related to accusations that he had cannibalized his companion, Córdoba, to survive, despite Alvarenga’s repeated statements that he kept his promise to Córdoba. Critics pointed to inconsistencies in some of the details of his story. However, many experts and fellow survivors of extreme situations believed Alvarenga’s account was plausible, considering his ability to withstand the brutal conditions of the ocean.
6. Did José Salvador Alvarenga ever receive support from other survivors or rescue missions?
While José Salvador Alvarenga was alone for much of his time adrift, he did benefit from the occasional presence of marine life that he used for sustenance. Birds, fish, and even a turtle provided him with food, and the rain provided water to drink. However, no other human survivors appeared during his 438-day ordeal, and no other rescue missions were launched during his time at sea.
His eventual rescue came when he washed up on the shores of the Marshall Islands, almost miraculously. When found, Alvarenga was weak but alive, showing the effectiveness of his survival skills despite the fact that no one had been actively searching for him at sea. His story remains one of the most remarkable accounts of survival, considering the isolation he faced during those months.
7. How did José Salvador Alvarenga cope with the mental and emotional toll of being at sea?
The mental and emotional toll of being stranded in the vast Pacific Ocean for over a year was profound for José Salvador Alvarenga. While his physical survival was incredibly challenging, his mental fortitude was equally tested. Alvarenga struggled with loneliness, fear, and despair, but he managed to maintain his focus on the goal of survival.
His thoughts often turned to his family, especially his daughter, who he promised to return to one day. This promise kept him grounded in a sense of purpose, even as his body grew weaker. He also found strength in the companionship of his deceased friend, Córdoba, whose memory kept him company during the darkest moments. His mental resilience was a key factor in overcoming the hardships of his journey, and it became a central part of his narrative when he finally shared his story with the world.
8. Why was José Salvador Alvarenga’s story so widely publicized after his rescue?
After José Salvador Alvarenga was rescued in January 2014, his story quickly gained international attention. The incredible nature of his survival, coupled with the mystery of how he managed to survive so long at sea, made his story a global sensation. The media was fascinated by his journey, and journalists were eager to learn more about how he had managed to endure such an unimaginable ordeal.
His account captivated the public for its raw depiction of human endurance, resilience, and the will to live. Alvarenga’s story was also highly publicized because it raised questions about survival in extreme conditions, the psychology of isolation, and the lengths a person can go to in order to stay alive. His interviews with journalist Jonathan Franklin eventually led to the publication of the book 438 Days, which further expanded his story to a global audience.
9. Did José Salvador Alvarenga ever face legal challenges after his survival?
After his miraculous survival at sea, José Salvador Alvarenga’s journey took another twist when he faced legal challenges from the family of his companion, Ezequiel Córdoba. The Córdoba family filed a lawsuit, accusing Alvarenga of cannibalizing Córdoba to stay alive, despite his repeated claims that he never broke his promise to Córdoba. This legal battle added an additional layer of complexity to an already dramatic survival story.
Alvarenga’s lawyer denied the accusations, defending him on the grounds that the allegations were false. Despite the legal controversy, Alvarenga’s story remained a subject of global fascination. The lawsuit was a reminder of the emotional and psychological toll of survival, especially when a person must make such difficult decisions in the face of death.
10. What lessons can be learned from José Salvador Alvarenga’s survival story?
José Salvador Alvarenga’s survival story offers a multitude of lessons, both about human resilience and the complexities of the human spirit. One of the key takeaways is the importance of mental strength in the face of extreme adversity. Alvarenga’s ability to hold onto hope, keep his wits about him, and focus on survival, despite overwhelming odds, serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human will.
Another lesson is the importance of resourcefulness. Alvarenga’s survival was not just a matter of luck; it was also a testament to his skills, knowledge, and ability to make the most of what little he had. His story underscores the significance of adaptability and perseverance, qualities that can help anyone navigate through difficult circumstances in life.
11. What impact did José Salvador Alvarenga’s story have on the world’s understanding of human survival?
José Salvador Alvarenga’s story had a profound impact on our understanding of human survival, especially in extreme circumstances. Before his ordeal, many believed that survival at sea for such a long time was nearly impossible. Alvarenga’s ability to survive for 438 days with minimal resources challenged these assumptions. Experts in survival and psychology examined his case to better understand the physical and mental factors that contribute to enduring extreme isolation and hardship.
His experience highlighted the importance of both mental fortitude and resourcefulness in overcoming dire situations. Alvarenga’s story also prompted discussions about the psychological toll of being lost at sea, helping to shape future approaches to survival training and emergency preparedness. It reinforced the idea that survival is as much about mindset as it is about physical capability.
12. How did José Salvador Alvarenga manage his diet during his 438 days at sea?
José Salvador Alvarenga’s survival diet was both primitive and resourceful. Over the course of his 438 days adrift, Alvarenga had to make do with the limited food sources available to him. He caught fish, which he ate raw, and birds that he managed to catch using basic tools. These were often the main sources of food, but they were insufficient to keep him fully nourished.
Water was another challenge. Alvarenga relied on collecting rainwater to hydrate himself. He also drank the blood of fish and sea creatures as a last resort. His diet, while minimal, was enough to sustain him, and he had to use all his knowledge of survival to maintain his strength and energy levels. His diet during those months was a mixture of necessity and ingenuity, keeping him alive long enough for rescue.
13. What did José Salvador Alvarenga learn from his 438 days of isolation?
José Salvador Alvarenga’s experience at sea taught him numerous lessons about survival, resilience, and the human spirit. He learned firsthand the importance of adaptability in the face of extreme circumstances. Each day presented new challenges, and Alvarenga had to continually adapt to the shifting tides, changing weather, and limited resources.
Emotionally, he learned the power of hope and mental strength. He was able to keep moving forward by focusing on his family, especially his daughter, whom he promised to return to. This hope was his driving force. He also learned to trust his instincts and his ability to use limited resources efficiently, which ultimately allowed him to survive. Alvarenga’s story reflects the immense human capacity for endurance when faced with adversity.
14. Was José Salvador Alvarenga’s rescue a result of chance or survival skill?
José Salvador Alvarenga’s rescue was the result of both chance and skill. His boat washed ashore on the island of Ebon in the Marshall Islands, where he was found by locals. Although it may seem like a stroke of luck, Alvarenga’s survival for so long was due to his skills as a fisherman and his ability to read the ocean.
His ability to catch fish and birds, his knowledge of the sea, and his constant efforts to keep the boat moving in the right direction were all crucial in keeping him alive. The fact that he ended up on an island, where he could finally be found, was a fortunate culmination of his determination to survive. While luck played a role, Alvarenga’s survival was a direct result of his resourcefulness, perseverance, and survival skills.
15. How did José Salvador Alvarenga deal with the physical exhaustion of being at sea for so long?
Physical exhaustion was one of the most severe challenges José Salvador Alvarenga faced during his time at sea. He had to endure the constant stress of dehydration, hunger, and exposure to the sun and wind. The lack of sleep, combined with the need to keep the boat afloat and try to catch food, left him physically drained.
Alvarenga described how his body became emaciated, with sores and cuts from the harsh conditions. Despite this, he pushed through the physical fatigue, using his limited energy to continue fishing and collecting water. His resolve to stay alive, combined with his experience and survival instincts, helped him overcome the toll on his body. He endured because he understood that the only way to survive was to keep fighting, no matter how exhausted he became.
16. What psychological challenges did José Salvador Alvarenga face during his time alone at sea?
The psychological challenges of being lost at sea for over a year were immense for José Salvador Alvarenga. The loneliness of being isolated in the vast expanse of the ocean took a significant toll on his mental health. He struggled with despair, questioning whether he would ever be found or if he would die alone.
One of the key psychological challenges was maintaining hope. Alvarenga dealt with intense emotional swings, from moments of deep sadness to flashes of hope as he recalled memories of his family and his promise to return to them. Additionally, the trauma of losing his companion, Ezequiel Córdoba, affected him deeply. His experience illustrates the powerful role of mental resilience in surviving extreme isolation and loss.
17. How did José Salvador Alvarenga’s survival story change his life after he was rescued?
After being rescued, José Salvador Alvarenga’s life underwent a significant transformation. His survival story garnered worldwide attention, and he became something of a global symbol of resilience. He was thrust into the media spotlight and shared his experiences in interviews, which were later compiled into the book 438 Days.
However, the aftermath was not without its challenges. Alvarenga had to process the emotional and psychological scars left by his ordeal. His relationship with his family was also impacted, as his survival became a source of intense public interest. Despite these challenges, his story ultimately gave him a platform to reflect on his journey, his faith in the human spirit, and the lessons he learned during his time at sea.
18. Did José Salvador Alvarenga ever face a moral dilemma while at sea?
José Salvador Alvarenga did face a profound moral dilemma during his time at sea, particularly when it came to the question of survival. As his resources dwindled and his companion, Ezequiel Córdoba, grew weaker, Alvarenga found himself in a position where his survival instincts clashed with his ethics. The most significant dilemma was whether to resort to cannibalism in order to survive.
Alvarenga maintained that he kept his promise to Córdoba not to eat him, despite extreme hunger and the temptation to do so. This vow was a crucial aspect of his survival, as it demonstrated his commitment to his moral code. His ability to hold on to this promise, despite the circumstances, speaks to the strength of his character and his emotional connection to his companion.
19. How did José Salvador Alvarenga manage to keep the boat afloat during his long journey?
Keeping the boat afloat for 438 days was no small feat, and José Salvador Alvarenga had to be resourceful in maintaining the vessel’s condition. Despite the intense wear and tear from the harsh sea conditions, Alvarenga made do with the limited tools he had. He would repair holes and leaks using anything he could find, and he used his skills as a fisherman to help keep the boat stable.
Alvarenga’s awareness of the boat’s condition was key to his survival. He was able to keep it afloat by staying vigilant and performing makeshift repairs whenever necessary. This skill was crucial, as the boat was his only lifeline, and without it, survival would have been impossible. His ability to maintain the boat’s condition throughout the journey speaks to his ingenuity and resourcefulness.
20. What was the public reaction to José Salvador Alvarenga’s survival story?
The public reaction to José Salvador Alvarenga’s survival story was one of awe and disbelief. Many people found it hard to fathom how a single person could survive for over a year at sea with so little. His story touched people’s hearts, as it highlighted the strength of the human will to survive against all odds.
Alvarenga’s journey also sparked widespread discussion about human endurance, survival tactics, and the psychological aspects of being lost in isolation. People from around the world expressed admiration for his determination and resourcefulness. His story served as both an inspiration and a reminder of the fragility of life, as well as the incredible resilience people can exhibit in the most extreme circumstances.
