Manfred Fritz Bajorat was a German sailor who loved to explore the world on his yacht, Sayo. He had been sailing for more than 30 years, visiting many countries and islands. He was last seen alive in 2009, when he contacted his wife, who had left him to sail around the world on her own.
In 2016, his mummified body was found by Filipino fishermen on his drifting yacht, about 40 miles off the coast of Barobo town in the Philippines. He was sitting at his desk, slumped over his radio, as if he was trying to make a final call for help. His body was preserved by the dry, salty air and the heat of the sun.
But how did he die, and how long was he adrift? These questions have puzzled the authorities and the public ever since his discovery.
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The Cause of Death: A Heart Attack or a Stroke
According to the autopsy report, Bajorat died of an acute myocardial infarction, or a heart attack, based on the regional crime laboratory. There were no signs of foul play or violence on his body or on his yacht. He probably died suddenly and painlessly, without any warning.
However, some forensic experts have suggested that he might have suffered a stroke instead, which could explain his posture and the position of his arm. A stroke can cause paralysis, loss of consciousness, and death within minutes.
The exact date of his death is unknown, but it is estimated that he died about a week before he was found. This is based on the degree of mummification and the condition of his yacht.
The Time of Drifting: Weeks, Months, or Years
The most intriguing question is how long Bajorat’s yacht was drifting in the ocean, and where it had been. There are conflicting reports and theories about his whereabouts and his movements.
Some sources claim that he was last seen in Mallorca, Spain, in 2009. Others say that he was spotted in Phuket, Thailand, in 2010. There are also rumors that he had visited Panama, Costa Rica, and Hawaii in the following years.
However, there is no official confirmation or evidence for any of these sightings. The only clue is a photo of Bajorat with a fellow sailor, taken in 2015, somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. This suggests that he was still alive and sailing until then.
But how did his yacht end up in the Philippine Sea, thousands of miles away from the Pacific? One possibility is that he was caught in a storm or a typhoon, which damaged his mast and his navigation system. Another possibility is that he was attacked by pirates or robbers, who stole his valuables and left him to die.
The truth may never be known, unless someone comes forward with more information or evidence. Bajorat’s yacht was towed to a port in the Philippines, where it was examined by the authorities. His body was cremated and his ashes were sent to his family in Germany.
The Legacy of Manfred Fritz Bajorat: A Lonely Adventurer or a Tragic Victim
Bajorat’s story has captivated the imagination of many people around the world. Some admire his adventurous spirit and his passion for sailing. Others pity his lonely fate and his tragic end. Some wonder what he was thinking and feeling in his last moments. Others question his choices and his lifestyle.
Whatever the case, Bajorat’s story is a reminder of the beauty and the danger of the sea, and the mystery and the fragility of life. He may have died alone, but he will not be forgotten. He will live on in the memories of his family, his friends, and his fellow sailors. And he will inspire others to follow their dreams and to explore the world.
