Heinz on manhunt for lost at sea sailor who survived on ketchup for 24 days

Food processing company Heinz is looking to gift sailor, Elvis Francois, also known as the "ketchup boat guy", a new boat after he allegedly survived on ketchup while adrift at sea in a sailboat for 24 days. On its official Instagram page, Heinz asked its followers to help in "tracking down an amazing man with an amazing story".

"You may remember Elvis Francois as the brave sailor who survived on nothing but ketchup and spices while adrift at sea for 24 days. Well, Heinz wants to celebrate his safe return home and help him buy a new boat, but we can’t seem to find him,” said the brand. The world famous ketchup brand also suggested that fans use the hashtag #FindTheKetchupBoatGuy to amplify their search. Consumers have lauded the brand for its initiative. 

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Francois was lost at sea late last year and was rescued by authorities in January this year. According to media reports, he was on a yacht repairing parts when the boat went adrift. According to a video uploaded by Colombian Navy, as seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Francois said there was no food onboard and he had to survive on mixing up a bottle of ketchup. garlic powder and Maggi (bouillon cubes) along with some water.

Quoted on The Washington Post, the sailor was saved by the coast guard as a plane noticed the word "help" that was written across his boat, and subsequently, a container ship picked him up. MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Heinz for more information. 

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