Missing Conway sailor addresses critics

CONWAY, SC- Missing sailor Louis Jordan is back home in Conway after 66 days at sea.

Louis’ boat was reported missing in January. He was spotted by a German tanker ship last week nearly 200 miles of the coast of North Carolina. Louis returned to Bucksport Marina Wednesday morning to visit his fellow mariners.

“It feels great,” said Louis. “I love being home.”

Louis told News 13 he left Bucksport Marina to go on a fishing trip.

“There’s big fish out there in the Gulf Stream, that’s the main reason I went out there,” he said.

His father Frank Jordan said Louis never told him he was leaving and when he didn’t comeback, Jordan said he turned to God.

“ I had my times where I was screaming my head off and praying my head off,” said Jordan.

Miraculously, his prayers were answered. Jordan said he’s happy his son is alive and well, but skeptics are calling the sailor’s story of survival a tall tale.

“I feel people naturally questioned the whole thing ,” said Jordan.

Jordan stands by his son’s account of what happened. He said people that doubt Louis don’t know all of the facts. According to Jordan, his son’s boat was not turned over when the Coast Guard rescued him.

“It was not the kind of boat that would turn over and stay turned over,” he said.

While Louis’ boat was damaged and leaking, Louis was able to shield himself from the elements by sitting in the cabin.

Jordan said Louis came back about 50 pounds lighter, but was in relatively good condition. He said Louis lived off fish and rain water on a regular basis, so he knew how to survive with limited resources.

Now that Louis is back, Jordan said he’s definitely indulged in some comfort food.

“He fantasized about things like strawberry shortcake, so last night we ate strawberry shortcake,” stated Jordan.

Louis confirmed he is writing a book about his time at sea. He plans to live with his mom in North Carolina.