Man Lost at Sea Is Sued By Family of Deceased Crewmate for Eating Crewmate

José Salvador Alvarenga was on a two-day fishing trip with Ezequiel Córdoba in 2012. When a storm set in, the two men decided to keep fishing. Their boat was soon caught in the storm and they were pushed into the Pacific Ocean. Their boat’s motor broke down, leaving them completely stranded in the middle of the ocean. They were able to radio their boss and ask for assistance, though the radio lost power shortly after.  

After 10 weeks, Alvarenga stated that Córdoba became sick and passed away. Alvarenga claims he pushed his friend’s body out after he began hallucinating he was talking to him. Alvarenga continued to be lost at sea for 438 days, mainly eating turtles, birds, and fish. He attempted to flag down passing ships though none assisted him. Alvarenga was finally able to find someone to help him when he came across an island called Ebon Atoll. A beach house owner was able to call help for him.  

After Alvarenga was rescued, he published a book chronicling his ordeal. However, Córdoba’s family then sued him for $1million, accusing Alvarenga of eating Córdoba. Alvarenga denies the allegations that he had eaten his former crewmate and friend.  

Is It Legal to Eat Someone?

It will be difficult for Córdoba’s family to prove their case. The only witness to Córdoba’s death was Alvarenga himself. Alvarenga denies the allegations and there is likely no other evidence aside from his testimony about what occurred. Since Alvarenga was at sea for over a year, there is likely no way to test Alvarenga to see if there actually are human remains in him.  

Even if Alvarenga had eaten Córdoba, it was arguably a necessary act to save Alvarenga’s own life. It is a civil and criminal defense to act out of necessity to save one’s own life or the life of others, even if such action would ordinarily violate other laws. For instance, self-defense waives charges of assault, manslaughter, or even murder because it was legally necessary to hit or kill someone to save one’s own life or the life of someone else.  

It would arguably have been legally permissible for Alvarenga to consume Córdoba to save his own life. Córdoba’s family could argue that Alvarenga was living off other animals already and could have done so instead of resorting to cannibalism. Again though, Alvarenga is the only one who could provide any evidence regarding what food was available to him and when. However, there would still need to be evidence that Alvarenga actually ate his shipmate in the first place.  

Do I Need the Help of a Personal Injury Attorney? 

If you have sustained a personal injury through the unlawful act of another, then you should contact a personal injury attorney. A skilled personal injury lawyer near you can review the facts of your case, go over your rights and options, and represent you at hearings and in court.