The Ecuadorian navy announced the rescue last week of five fishermen who had been missing since mid-March. The three Peruvian and two Colombian men survived 55 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean by consuming rainwater and seawater.

On May 7, the Ecuadorian tuna boat Aldo located the fishermen. According to the navy, the fishermen reported that their boat’s alternator was damaged two days after they departed from Pucusana Bay, south of .

Ecuadorian navy Frigate Capt. Maria Fares explained to The Associated Press that the equipment malfunction led to the failure of communication and navigation systems.

“They lacked a starter, lights, and everything powered by a battery,” she stated. To survive, they were forced to “extract rusty water from the engine and catch and lightly boil any fish that came within reach to eat.”

Fares also noted that the men drank rainwater and seawater to stay alive.

The fishermen are currently in , and the navy is working with domestic and international authorities to facilitate their safe return home.

Earlier this year, another Peruvian fisherman was rescued after spending 95 days adrift in the . He claimed to have survived by eating insects, birds, and sea turtles.