Two fishermen rescued from Pacific after clinging onto cool box with no food or water for five days

Two fishermen were found alive after drifting in the Pacific Ocean for five days, clinging to a cool box with no food or water, according to Mexican authorities. The men, Daniel Guerrero Martinez and Jose Luis Portela Villegas, were rescued by navy personnel near the coast of Chiapas, Mexico, on August 19, 2026. The two men disappeared during a fishing trip from a small town near Guatemala. Their boat, named the Camaronera, sank, leaving them stranded in the open sea. They managed to climb into a cool box that was still onboard the vessel and used it as shelter. Their last known radio contact was recorded on August 14, prompting concern among their family and local fishing community. A fishing cooperative, which had organized the trip, issued a distress call after failing to make contact with the men. This led to the activation of a large-scale search operation involving naval surface vessels, aircraft, and specialized equipment. The search spanned several days and covered vast stretches of the Pacific, with boats even replicating the route taken by the missing fishermen in an effort to trace their location. The men were eventually located approximately 130 nautical miles, or 240.76 kilometers, from the coast of Chiapas. A Mexican Navy ocean patrol vessel reached the site and conducted the rescue, bringing both fishermen aboard. Video footage captured the moment they were pulled from the water, showing them leaning against the sides of the cool box, barely conscious but alive. Medical teams on board assessed the condition of the survivors before transporting them by helicopter to a nearby hospital. Both men were diagnosed with severe dehydration due to their prolonged exposure to the elements without sustenance. Despite their critical condition, they survived the ordeal and were later reunited with their families in Paredon, a coastal village in Chiapas. Judith Torres Vera, the secretary of fisheries and aquaculture in Chiapas, confirmed the successful recovery of the fishermen. She expressed relief at their safe return, stating that the community was “very happy” to see them back. The officials emphasized the importance of the coordinated efforts that enabled the rescue, noting that the search was made possible through the combined resources of naval forces and local organizations. An investigation into the incident has begun, with authorities attributing the sinking of the boat to adverse weather conditions and strong winds. These factors contributed to the vessel’s drift far beyond its intended route. The Mexican Navy released a statement confirming the rescue, highlighting the effectiveness of the search operations and the eventual reunion of the fishermen with their loved ones. The incident underscores the dangers faced by fishermen working in remote areas, where sudden changes in weather can lead to life-threatening situations. While the men are recovering, the case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with maritime work and the necessity of robust safety protocols. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are providing support to the affected individuals and their families.