Santa Cruz, Ecuador — After enduring an agonizing 55 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean, five fishermen were rescued and arrived safely at a Galápagos port on Saturday. Their timely rescue came thanks to a tuna boat, as reported by the Ecuadorian navy.

The group, which includes three fishermen from Peru and two from Colombia, had been missing since mid-March. On May 7, they were spotted by the Ecuadorian vessel Aldo. Prior to their disappearance, the men had experienced critical mechanical failures shortly after departing from Pucusana Bay, located south of Peru’s capital, Lima.

According to a post by the Ecuadorian navy, the fishing boat suffered significant damage to its alternator just two days post-launch. This malfunction rendered essential communication and navigation instruments inoperative. María Fares, a captain in the Ecuadorian navy, explained that the predicament left the fishermen with no electrical power on board.

“They had no starter, no lights—essentially nothing that a battery powers,” Fares said. To survive in such harsh conditions, the fishermen resorted to desperate measures. They collected rusted water from the engine and relied on whatever fish they could catch, cooking them over minimal heat. Rainwater and seawater also became crucial sources of hydration.

Fortunately, the rescued men are reported to be in stable condition. The Ecuadorian navy is currently working to coordinate their safe return to their home countries, ensuring that they receive all necessary support.

Previously, in a separate incident earlier this year, a 61-year-old Peruvian fisherman named Máximo Napa spent an astounding 95 days stranded at sea before being rescued. His return to Lima in mid-March brought relief and joy to his family, highlighting the perils faced by those who work at sea.

As the story of these five men comes to light, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers fishermen face, particularly in open waters where unexpected mechanical failures can lead to dire situations. The resilience demonstrated by these individuals emphasizes the will to survive against all odds in the vastness of the ocean.