the story
Elvis Francois survived in the Caribbean for twenty-four days on only ketchup, garlic powder, and bouillon cubes.
The Caribbean is renowned for its stunning beaches, clean water, and relaxed way of life. However, for one guy who got stranded off the coast of Saint Martin and was left with nothing but ketchup to eat, paradise swiftly turned into a nightmare.
Elvis Francois, who is 47 years old, was found 120 nautical miles from Colombia’s Puerto Bolvar on January 16. The Colombian navy said in a tweet that a plane saw the word “HELP” written on the sailboat’s stern.
He had been at sea for 24 days and not found,
“I had no food. “There was just a bottle of ketchup, garlic powder, and Maggi (bouillon cubes) on the boat, so I mixed it with water,” Francois said in a video taken by the people who saved him.
Francois, who is from the island of Dominica, said that he was fixing up his boat off the coast of Saint Martin in December when bad weather pushed it out to sea.
He said that he didn’t know how to find his way back to shore because he didn’t know how to navigate. This was the start of his weeks-long struggle.
It took me a long to install the sail and repair the sail, so I got lost on the way back to port,” Francois said. I contacted several colleagues and close pals. Attempts to reach me were cut short when they lost connection. I could only sit and wait for anything to happen.
During the 24-day
During the 24-day time when Francois was at sea, he just ate condiments and collected rainwater with a cloth. He spent his time struggling to keep water out of his boat and failing to draw attention by burning fire.
“For twenty-four days, there was no ground and no one to talk to. Don’t know where you are or what to do. He said, “It was hard.” “There are times when I lose hope. I keep my family in mind.”
Francois was eventually rescued and flown to the Colombian port city of Cartagena for medical care. He was able to tell Colombian officials about his situation and work with immigration officials to organize his return to Dominica.
Captain Carlos Urano Montes, commander of the Colombian Army, told CBS News that Francois was “in good health” despite having lost some weight.
Francois stated his profound appreciation to the rescue team, stating, “At one point, I lost hope and began to worry about my family, but I am extremely grateful to the Coast Guard. Without them, I would not be telling this tale.”
