Autoplay Next video from Max length

Castaway says his faith in God kept him alive

1,407 views · Published 19 February 2014 · 0:58 · Indexed 21 October 2026

Channel: The Telegraph · 2014 · News & Politics

The Salvadoran fisherman who claimed he drifted at sea for more than a year said that his faith in God kept him alive during his journey.

Speaking at a press conference in El Salvador, Jose Salvador Alvarenga hugged his parents close as he recounted how he survived the 6,500 mile trip across the Pacific Ocean from Mexico to the Marshall Islands.

"I always had faith in God, that I was going to live, asking him every day, every night. I never lost faith that one day I was going to get out (of the situation)," said Mr Alvarenga, appearing overwhelmed.

Thirty-seven year old Mr Alvarenga appeared strong and walked without help, but also seemed disoriented and had trouble speaking.

The survivor's father, Ricardo Alvarenga, thanked people for their support and for the assistance given to his son.

Hospital officials said that even though Jose Salvador Alvarenga has been given a physical all-clear, he would continue to receive psychiatric treatment.

Mr Alvarenga's story stunned the world when he washed up on a Pacific atoll several weeks ago, seemingly robust and barely sunburnt, after having survived the journey by eating birds and turtles.

Get the latest headlines http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Subscribe to The Telegraph http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=telegraphtv

Like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/telegraph.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/telegraph
Follow us on Google+ https://plus.google.com/102891355072777008500/

Telegraph.co.uk and YouTube.com/TelegraphTV are websites of The Daily Telegraph, the UK's best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifestyle and culture.

Castaway says his faith in God kept him alive

More from this channel