CNN
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After enlisting the public’s help to find Elvis Francois, a sailor who survived weeks misplaced at sea off of ketchup and seasonings, ketchup big Heinz has lastly tracked him down – and plans to reward him a new boat.
On February 14, the firm revealed a name for assistance on social media, saying they have been struggling to get in contact with Francois.
The Dominica-born sailor made headlines after he spent 24 days adrift in the Caribbean Sea in January. After being rescued by the Colombian navy, Francois, 47, advised officers that he had survived off of a bottle of ketchup, garlic powder, and Maggi inventory cubes, which he combined with water.
Heinz advised CNN on Monday that they discovered Francois with the assist of native reporters in Dominica working for the publication EmoNews. The firm had beforehand stated that they hoped to reward him “a new, state-of-the-art boat” to have fun his secure return.
“We were able to connect with him and discuss the best way help support him and his family,” a Heinz consultant advised CNN. “We (Heinz) and Elvis are currently working out the logistical details of gifting him his new boat.”
The firm emphasised the central position social media performed in serving to find the sailor.
“Anyone who shared, liked or commented on the brand’s post helped broaden the reach and played an important part in finding Elvis,” stated Heinz.
Francois was repairing his boat off the island of Saint Martin in December when his boat was pulled out to sea. He advised Colombian authorities that he lacked the navigational data to return to shore and spent 24 days misplaced at sea. He was rescued after a airplane noticed his sailboat with “help” engraved into the hull, in accordance to Colombian authorities.