This post was originally published on this site
Heinz was finally able to catch up to the guy who survived on its sauce while lost at sea for almost a month — and it’s giving him a new boat.
Ketchup maker Heinz
KHC,
has spent weeks trying to make contact with rescued sailor Elvis François, who went viral online as “the ketchup boat guy.” He was working on his boat in St. Maarten in December when the currents changed and swept him out to sea. François was found in the Caribbean last month by the Colombian Navy, the company said, but he was forced to abandon his vessel.
So Heinz consistently posted François’s story with the caption #FindTheKetchupBoatGuy on Instagram, and the company has now officially made contact with him — and plans to replace his wrecked ship.
Heinz said it heard François’s story about eating ketchup while fighting for his life, and was finally connected with him after facilitation from local Dominica reporters at EmoNews.
“Heinz was able to contact with Elvis and discuss the best way to help support him and his family,” the company told MarketWatch in a statement. “Heinz and Elvis are working out the logistical details of gifting him his new boat.
“Anyone who shared, liked or commented on the brand’s post helped broaden the reach and played an important part in finding Elvis,” the company continued. “And Heinz wants to thank everyone who helped.”
According to a report from The Guardian, François says he ate a bottle of Heinz ketchup that he had on him, as well as condiments like garlic powder and Maggi soup cubes washed down with rainwater while he held out hope for rescue.
“There was nothing else to do but sit and wait” François said.
