According to a story, a Brazilian fisherman miraculously survived in the ocean by finding shelter inside a floating freezer for 11 days after his boat capsized.
According to CNN affiliate Record TV, Romualdo Macedo Rodrigues, 44, was on a fishing excursion in the Atlantic Ocean when his 23-foot-long wooden boat started filling with water.
He dove inside the onboard freezer, which served as his raft for the next 11 days. A crew of fisherman ultimately managed to rescue him off the coast of Suriname, according to the site.
“I was desperate. I believed my death was near. However, I’m grateful that He given me another opportunity “he informed the publication. “I could see it wasn’t sinking. I leapt. It tipped to one side and continued as usual.”
Rodrigues claimed he had no swimming skills and occasionally feared being attacked by a shark.
“Sharks were around the freezer, but they went away. I did not snooze. I prayed to God for help while I saw the sunrise and the dark, “said he.
Eventually, he said, the freezer started to fill with water, and he had to scrape it out with his hands.
Despite reportedly having no food or water, he apparently managed to survive. Normally, it takes humans three days or less to go without water, but the world record is 18.
Rodrigues can be seen asking for water in the footage of him being rescued. According to accounts, he got sunstroke, was dehydrated, lost his bearings, and had ripped clothing.
Rodrigues gave Record TV an explanation of his motivation for enduring the horror.
“My wife and kids were on my mind. Every day, I would think about my parents and the rest of my family. I gained courage and hope from it “said he.
He gave an account of his rescue: “There was a boat on top of the freezer when I heard a noise. Only they mistook it for being empty. Then they made a gradual stop.
My God, the boat, I said as my vision started to fade. I shouted “Help!” while raising my arms.”
Yee, his agony was still ongoing. The fisherman claimed that due to a lack of proper documentation, he was imprisoned by Surinamese authorities for 16 days; however, he is now back in Brazil.
“That freezer served as my own God. The only thing I had was the freezer. A miracle occurred “He reportedly said, per the outlet.
