A Colombian woman who had been missing for two years was found alive on Saturday (September 26) floating in the ocean, off the coast of Puerto Colombia.
Angelica Gaitan, 46, had not spoken with her family for two years when she was spotted almost two miles from shore by fisherman Rolando Visbal. Initially, they believed that a log appeared in the distance, but then Gaitan raised her arms in the air.
Visbal called out to Gaitan, who was floating in a rubber ring, but she was unable to respond due to the cold. He then brought her aboard and took her to shore where they provided her with water while attempting to learn her name.
Afterward, Gaitan was taken to a hospital to receive medical attention. There, she revealed how she winded up in the ocean years after contacting her family. She explained that in September 2018, she went missing when she tried to leave an abusive relationship. She stated that she was roaming the streets for six months before going to the Women’s Office in Barranquilla to seek help.
Because of the trauma, she endured at the hands of her ex, certain measures were put in motion to keep her safe. The day before she was found in the ocean, Gaitan was notified that her former partner no longer resided in Barranquilla and that she could no longer stay at the shelter, as a result.
Gaitan then revealed that she had made the decision to end her life and went to the beach.
“Being on the seashore I found myself alone and in solitude; I decided to jump into the sea and let it take me. I just had to hope this nightmare would soon be over,” she told local media.
However, after being rescued, Gaitan told RCN Radio Barranquilla, “I feel like I was born again, thank God. If I had had an opportunity or help I would not make that decision. Now I am very grateful because God gave me a new opportunity to move forward.”
Gaitan is being treated at a hospital, while authorities seek to reunite her with her family in Bogota.
