Kai Sato, 39, survived a harrowing ordeal after being adrift at sea for more than a month following a solo sailing trip from Catalina Island to Hawaii. The incident began in June when the mast on his sailboat broke roughly two weeks into his voyage, leaving him stranded and off course in the Pacific Ocean.

According to Sato, who spoke with a local news outlet, he initially attempted to motor back to his intended route but quickly ran out of fuel. His cellphone, which he was relying on for navigation, became water-damaged and unusable. Facing these challenges, he drifted for weeks, swept southward by ocean currents. During this time, Sato said he experienced profound despair, even contemplating suicide at one point.

Determined to survive, Sato improvised makeshift repairs to his vessel using PVC pipes and kayak paddles to regain some control and steer toward shipping lanes. When his supply of fresh water was depleted on July 11, he resorted to collecting seawater and harvesting condensation under plastic coverings to stay hydrated. His food intake included oatmeal and marine life such as fish and squid that landed on his boat.

He described coping with the isolation by meditating and conversing aloud with the natural elements around him. Sato also shared that he felt the presence of his late uncle, who had once accompanied him on a journey between California and Hawaii during his youth.

After more than a month adrift, a crew operating a vessel for Pasha Hawaii spotted and rescued him last week. Upon rescue, Sato was provided with food, clothing, and accommodations aboard the ship, which he described as a moment of emotional relief and gratitude. A representative of the shipping company was not immediately available for comment.

Following his recovery, Sato has been staying with a relative and indicated his intention to continue pursuing sailing, with plans for a future trip to the Philippines despite his recent experience.